Department for Transport

Department for Transport: Procurement

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many procurements undertaken by his Department have taken more than (a) three months, (b) six months, (c) one year and (d) two years.

Mr John Hayes: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 13 September 2017.The correct answer should have been:

My Department reports the following live contracts where procurements have taken more than (a) three months, (b) six months, (c) one year and (d) two years (where data is available). More thanDFTcVCAMCADVLADVSATotal(a)three months4  133350(b) six months14*1  722(c) one year2   2345(d) two years11*includes 13 procurements run by Crown Commercial Service on behalf of my department.

Mr John Hayes: My Department reports the following live contracts where procurements have taken more than (a) three months, (b) six months, (c) one year and (d) two years (where data is available). More thanDFTcVCAMCADVLADVSATotal(a)three months4  133350(b) six months14*1  722(c) one year2   2345(d) two years11*includes 13 procurements run by Crown Commercial Service on behalf of my department.

Department for Transport: Procurement

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 13 September 2017 to Question 8765, on Department for Transport: procurement, what the contracts were that took more than (a) two years and (b) one year to procure; and what the values were of those contracts.

Mr John Hayes: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) had three procurements which took more than 1 year. Contract award value is defined as the initial contract term, plus any contractual options to extend the contract: Investigation Services – contract award value £15m over 3 years, inclusive of an option to extend by 2 years, up to a maximum term of 5 years.o This contract was awarded to provide investigative and intelligence capability to investigate fraud. Applications and Hosting – contract award value £96m over 6 years, inclusive of options to extend for 2 x 2 years, up to a maximum term of 10 years.o This contract was awarded to provide a fully managed IT Service to the Driving Standards Agency parts of which have now been disaggregated and exited in line with Government strategy to disaggregate IT service provision. Provision of Business Services and Operational Network Management Services – contract award value £100m over 9 years, inclusive of options to extend for 2 x 3 years, up to a maximum term of 15 years.o This contract was awarded to provide a fully managed IT Service to the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency parts of which have now been disaggregated and exited in line with Government strategy to disaggregate IT service provision. DVSA had one procurement that took more than 2 years. Contract award value is defined as the initial contract term. There were no contractual options to extend the contract: Service Integration and Management (SIAM) IT Modernisation - contract award value £14.564m over 3 years.o This contract was awarded to provide service management oversight and coordination of IT services into DVSA and has been terminated early due to insourcing from Oct 2017. This PQ response is further to a previous PQ response: Jon Trickett (Hemsworth): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many procurements undertaken by his Department have taken more than (a) three months, (b) six months, (c) one year and (d) two years. [8765] Since the response to the previous PQ was given, it has been identified that the information provided was incorrect and a correction is currently being arranged. DVSA previously reported that they had 2 procurements which took more than 1 year and have now reported that they had 3 procurements which took more than 1 year, details of which have been included within this PQ response.

Railways: Safety

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure passengers are safe in emergencies and have access to advice and assistance during rail journeys where there is no guard on board.

Paul Maynard: Keeping passengers and staff safe on our railways is paramount. With a growing number of railways users it is likely that we will need more people not fewer, working on our railways and helping passengers. Trains where the driver operates the doors often retain a second member of crew on board, who can offer advice and assistance to passengers, and these trains have been used safely in the UK for more than 30 years. The independent rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), and the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) have also said that trains where drivers control the doors are safe.

Aviation

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate his Department has made of the potential effect of the relocation of some aviation operations from the UK to other countries on the economy when the UK leaves the EU.

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate his Department has made of the cost to the public purse of delivering services provided by EU agencies in relation to aviation after the UK leaves the EU.

Mr John Hayes: The Government is considering carefully all the potential implications arising from the UK’s exit from the EU, and plans to negotiate the best possible relationship between the UK and EU in the field of aviation. This includes the implications for continued participation in the European Aviation Safety Agency system, and the services it currently delivers. The Government will continue to work closely with the aviation sector to secure a deal that ensures its continued success in the UK and globally.

Tyne and Wear Metro: Easington

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to fund, upgrade and expand the metro service into Easington constituency.

Jesse Norman: The Department is actively discussing the most appropriate method of funding this vital work with Nexus and the Treasury. Assessing the economic case for extending the Metro system is a matter for Nexus and the Tyne and Wear local authorities to consider. The Government announced on 28th July that Durham County Council will receive over £4.4m of Department for Transport funding towards a new station worth £10.55m in the Hon. Member’s constituency of Easington. The new station which is expected to be completed by 2020 will improve access to the rail network, including opportunities for interchange with the Metro at Sunderland, and create new leisure, training, employment and business opportunities as well as supporting new housing developments.

Cycling

Sir Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will bring forward proposals to amend the Cycle Racing on The Highway Regulations 1960 to include sportives; and if he will make a statement.

Jesse Norman: The Government has no plans to amend these Regulations. As part of the cycle safety review announced on 21 September, the Government will be considering whether the current legislation as to reckless cycling is appropriate, as well as different ways in which safety can be further improved between cyclists, pedestrians and motorists. If in the light of this Government considers that these Regulations require any amendment, any proposed changes will be consulted upon.

Driving: Licensing

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the cost per digital transaction of applications for driving licence renewals in October 2018.

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the cost per digital transaction for provisional driving licence applications in October 2018.

Jesse Norman: DVLA’s forecasting is not routinely undertaken at a unit cost level. However, in 2016/17, the cost per digital driving licence renewal and provisional driving licence application was £5.87 and £7.74 respectively. The costs of all driving licence transactions are kept under continuous review. The DVLA is allowed by law to set fees to cover the total cost of vehicle registration and driver licensing as a whole, rather than for specific transaction types. Some of these services may attract a fee, while others may not if it is beneficial to provide them free of charge. For example, changing personal details is free of charge, in order to encourage customers to comply with their legal requirement to update their driver record. More accurate records are essential to the police and other enforcement agencies dealing with crime reduction and road safety initiatives.

High Speed 2 Railway Line: Chilterns

Mrs Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when HS2 construction plans and timetables for the Chilterns will be published.

Paul Maynard: HS2 Ltd awarded stage 1 of the main works civil engineering contracts for the Phase One route from London to the West Midlands in July 2017. This stage primarily covers scheme design and pre-construction activities. Once this is completed a construction plan and timetable for the line of route, including the Chilterns, will be agreed with HS2 Ltd. This will be available by the end of 2018. Enabling works are currently underway including ground investigations, habitat creations and highway improvements. HS2 Ltd will continue to engage with communities to make sure they are made aware in advance of any activities taking place in their area.

Motor Vehicles: Registration

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 23 October 2017 to Question 108458, on motor vehicle: registration, whether the number of statutory off road notifications vehicles has increased in the last five years.

Jesse Norman: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) forecasts the full Agency costs required to complete its activities and volumes stated in its Business Plan forecasts, taking into account efficiency plans. Over time the costs of individual DVLA services will change for many reasons including movement in volumes, digital channel take up and mandatory legislative changes. For this reason it is not possible to forecast the individual transaction costs for a year’s time in October 2018. However, in 2016/17, the cost per digital driving licence renewal and provisional driving licence application was £5.87 and £7.74 respectively. The fees received for DVLA’s Vehicle Registration and Driver Licensing services are combined allowing the DVLA to recover the full costs of its activities. This approach is provided for in legislation and allows a range of both paper and digital transactions to be processed free of charge for customers. For example, the DVLA does not charge customers to change their address on its records as doing so may discourage people from informing of such changes which could impact on the accuracy of the DVLA’s records.

Railways: Leigh

Jo Platt: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with Transport for Greater Manchester on rail and High Speed 2 connectivity in Leigh.

Paul Maynard: Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Transport for Greater Manchester are advancing their wider plans for connectivity across the city region through their Greater Manchester 2040 Transport Strategy. The government has provided Greater Manchester with £2,500,000 to develop their HS2 Growth Strategies, which will look at the transport requirements for making the most of HS2. The government will continue to work with Greater Manchester to help deliver these plans.

High Speed Two: Vacancies

Mrs Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many job vacancies there were at HS2 Ltd on 1 November 2017; and what the titles of those jobs were.

Paul Maynard: As at the 1/11/2017 HS2 Ltd has 171 permanent and fixed term vacancies, the job titles are as follows: Lead Acquisition Manager NorthCost ManagerProject Manager - S1Operations Manager - AcquisitionsProject Manager N1Commercial ManagerBIM Information Systems AnalystOperations and Planning Interface SpecialistCDM IntegratorSenior Interface Manager C1Land Assembly Assistant CentralLand Assembly AssistantSenior Property Acquisition Manager CentralEngagement Manager (Technical)Utilities ManagerAssistant Property Acquisition Manager - CentralSenior Property Acquisition Manager Phase 2Land Assembly Assistant CentralHead of Petition Management & Technical TeamsCommercial Manager (Central)Senior Property Acquisition Manager NorthProperty Assistant Phase 2Senior Property Acquisition Manager Phase 2Senior Property Acquisition Manager South FTCSenior Sponsor Area CentralDirector of Systems IntegrationSenior Town Planning Manager - Area CentralSenior Interface Manager C2Risk Manager - (L1/L2)Landscape Design SpecialistAssistant Project Manager (N4)Senior Reporting Analyst (North)Risk Manager - Area SouthSenior Risk Manager - Route WideSenior Commercial Manager - Route Wide Track and OverheadLogistics Manager - Construction Logistics, Area CentralEnvironment Advisor C1Senior Interface Manager N1Senior Interface Manager N2Project Manager N4Acoustics SpecialistUndertakings and Assurances ManagerThird Party Agreements Manager (South)Third Party Agreements Manager CentralIT Security Operations ManagerPetition Manager - Individuals and CommunitiesEngineering Manager, Technical Team, Petition ManagementHR Business PartnerSenior Property Management SurveyorSenior Community Engagement Manager - Route-wideCommunity Engagement Manager - Area CentralCommunity Engagement Manager - Route Wide - Land and PropertyCommunity Engagement Manager - Phase 2aStakeholder Manager - Phase 2ACommunity Engagement Manager - Phase 2aCommunity Engagement Manager - Route Wide - Land and PropertyCommunity Engagement Executive - Route-wideSenior Community Engagement Manager - Route Wide (Land & Property)Community Engagement Manager (Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire)Engagement Advisor- Leeds Phase2Assistant Procurement ManagerAssistant Procurement ManagerProgramme Assurance ManagerRisk Manager - Phase 2A PermRisk Manager - Area NorthSenior Risk Manager - Phase 1Senior Risk Manager- NorthRisk Manager - Central (Perm)Risk ManagerSenior Risk Manager- CentralHead of Project Risk - Railway Ops PermBusiness Manager Technical DirectorateInterface Manager S2 (1205)Senior Risk Manager (L&P & OSD) - permProcurement Systems OfficerSenior Solutions ArchitectCompliance ManagerSenior Programme Assurance ManagerProject Manager - C1Business Planning ManagerProject Manager - Phase 2BReporting AnalystRisk Systems and Reporting Manager (ERM)Senior Property Acquisition Manager Central 1TD PA - Director of Technical DirectorateBusiness AnalystTeam Co-ordinator - Area SouthContract Support Service ManagerAssistant Contract ManagerTown Planning Lead - Phase 1Contract AnalystProperty Acquisition Manager CentralSenior Project Engineer - Building Services, Euston StationLead Senior Project Engineer - Euston StationLead Railway Telecoms EngineerProperty Assistant SouthProperty Assistant Phase 2Assistant Property Acquisition Manager CentralProperty Acquisition Manager North FTCProperty Acquisition Manager - CentralSenior Project Engineer - On Network WorksProject Manager L2Head of Environment Route WideLead Architect S3Lead Architect S4Lead Senior Project Engineer - N4Head of Acoustics and VibrationPhase 2 Finance Business partnerLead Senior Project Engineer - C2Town Planning ManagerSenior Communications Manager, Area SouthProject Manager - S4Construction Procurement DirectorHead of Capability AnalysisLead network Development ManagerGIS Spatial Data CoordinatorEngineerEnvironmental AssistantProject EngineerSenior Events ManagerSenior Risk Manager 2A - PermFOI AdviserProject Manager - Water Interface and ContractsRisk Manager P1 NorthRisk Manager P1 NorthRisk Manager P1 CentralRisk Manager P1 Route wideHead of Power and M&E EngineeringEditorSenior Reporting AnalystReporting Analyst (Engineering & Technical)Senior Reporting Analyst (South)Head of Change, Phase OneDocument Control ManagerProject ManagerProject ManagerProject ManagerSenior Project ManagerInterface Manager - Undertakings and AssurancesSenior Interface ManagerSenior Interface Manager N3Senior Interface Manager N4Head of Project Engineering - Route WideHead of Phase One RequirementsBusiness AnalystCommercial AdministratorHead of Overhead Catenary SystemsCommercial AdministratorCommercial AdministratorCommercial AdministratorCommercial AdministratorCommercial AdministratorCommercial ManagerSenior SponsorSenior SponsorSponsorPrincipal Designer Implementation EngineerGovernance AssistantSenior Interface Manager - (Old Oak Common)Project Controls ManagerCost Manager (North)Senior Commercial ManagerSenior Commercial ManagerSenior Commercial ManagerH&S AdvisorLead Document Controller - Area CentralPersonal AssistantCommercial Manager - South (S2)Commercial Manager - SouthReward AdviserHead of Insurance

Motor Vehicles: Registration

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what change there has been in the number of (a) untaxed vehicles, (b) uninsured vehicles and (c) vehicles without an MOT in the last five years.

Jesse Norman: The latest available figures are the Vehicle Excise Duty Evasion Statistics which were published in November 2015. A time series back to 2007 can be found in table VED0101 here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/ved01-unlicensed-vehicles#table-ved0101 . Official figures on the number of uninsured vehicles are not available. However, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau estimates that at the end of 2016 one million vehicles were uninsured compared with 1.26 million vehicles at the end of 2011. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency does not hold information about the number of vehicles without an MoT.

Midland Main Railway Line: Electrification

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 27 October 2017 to Question 108734, if he will publish his Department's analysis of the environmental benefits of the electrification of the Midland Mainline.

Paul Maynard: In 2016 Atkins, on behalf of the Department for Transport, undertook analysis on the business case for electrification and other route enhancements of the Midland Main Line route from Bedford north to Corby, Leicester, Nottingham and Sheffield. This document has previously been released following Freedom of Information requests, and a copy of this has been placed in the library of both Houses. We are happy to publish this document on the .gov.uk website. The analysis of environmental benefits can be found in chapter 8, with further detail in the appendices.

High Speed 2 Railway Line: North of England

Jo Platt: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the eligibility criteria will be for the planned £300 million infrastructure funding to be connected to northern towns and cities with High Speed 2.

Paul Maynard: The HS2 scheme itself will already be positive for the North, delivering capacity, connectivity and economic growth benefits. In addition, in October the Chancellor announced £300m to ensure that HS2 infrastructure can accommodate future Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) and Midlands Connect services. This includes connections: in the Leeds area, enabling trains from for example Sheffield and the Midlands to travel via Leeds and on to York and the North East;to the HS2 Western Leg line to connect Liverpool to Manchester Airport and Manchester Piccadilly stations;in the Manchester area to enable NPR services from Liverpool to continue from Manchester Piccadilly station east towards for example Leeds; andto enable services from East Midlands to the North to travel via HS2, for example between Leicester and Leeds.These uses of HS2 infrastructure could be reflected in the Phase 2b hybrid bill if practical and affordable propositions can be developed that deliver value for money for the taxpayer whilst ensuring significant benefits for passengers.

Motor Vehicles: Registration

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 23 October 2017 to Question 108459, on motor vehicles: registration, what redress there is for local residents who live on a public road on which a SORN vehicle is not removed after 72 hours.

Jesse Norman: Vehicles that have been clamped for being unlicensed with a Statutory Off Road Notification in force should be removed from the public highway within 72 hours. Members of the public can report any vehicle that remains on the road longer than 72 hours after being clamped to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, using the telephone number shown on the clamp. Any vehicle, whether it is clamped or not, that is causing an obstruction, is likely to cause damage, is broken down or abandoned without lawful authority, can be removed by the police. Abandoned vehicles can also be removed by the relevant local authority using powers contained in the Cleaner Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2006.

High Speed 2 Railway Line: Leigh

Jo Platt: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an estimate of the cost of a direct rail line between Leigh and High Speed 2.

Paul Maynard: The Secretary of State would expect Greater Manchester authorities to take the lead in developing local transport around Leigh, including any proposals for links to future HS2 stations.

Railways: Disability

Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that rail and station operators meet their obligations as set out by their disabled people's protection policy.

Paul Maynard: Each train operator is required, as a condition of its licence, to have a Disabled Person’s Protection Policy. ORR, the independent rail regulator, as the body responsible for issuing operating licences, is also responsible for monitoring and enforcement in respect of DPPPs.

Railways: Visual Impairment

Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that blind and partially-sighted passengers can access rail services.

Paul Maynard: It is of vital importance that people with disabilities have the same opportunities to access public transport. Passengers using rail services who require additional assistance can book this, at no extra charge, through their train operator. We continue to invest widely in making physical adjustments to both trains and stations, to make them more suitable for users with a wide range of disabilities, including visual impairments. The government has also recently announced a significant package of funding for accessibility in the forthcoming Network Rail control period, starting in 2019.

Railways: Leigh

Jo Platt: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with Transport for the North on rail and High Speed 2 connectivity in Leigh.

Paul Maynard: The Secretary of State would expect Greater Manchester authorities to take the lead in developing local transport around Leigh, including any proposals for links to future HS2 stations. The government has committed £300m to future-proof HS2 to support Transport for the North’s ambition for Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) between the North’s largest cities.

Railways: Greater Manchester

Jo Platt: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the potential ways to reduce journey times between Leigh railway station and Wigan North Western railway station.

Paul Maynard: The Government believes it is for local authorities and Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) to determine the best way to meet local transport needs. It would be for Transport for Greater Manchester to develop such plans and look for funding.

High Speed 2 Railway Line: Leigh

Jo Platt: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if his Department will carry out a cost benefit analysis of the effect of High Speed 2 on Leigh.

Paul Maynard: The Government has completed the cost benefit analysis in the North West as part of the Phase 2b Economic Case (July 2017). It showed that the current Phase 2b scheme is the best way to provide the desired capacity, connectivity and economic growth benefits to the Midlands and the North.

Network Rail: Land

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what representations he has made to Network Rail on the sale of surplus land in its ownership.

Paul Maynard: The Secretary of State meets regularly with the leadership team of Network Rail to discuss progress on a range of topics including releasing surplus land. Both the Secretary of State for Transport and Network Rail are committed to releasing land for housing where possible. Network Rail is delivering a detailed programme of sales nationally to free up land for housing and to generate proceeds that can be reinvested into the railway.

*No heading*

Mr Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the line speeds are for the (a) newly installed sections north of Bedford to Corby and (b) existing electric infrastructure south of Bedfordshire into London St. Pancras.

Paul Maynard: The new lines between Bedford and Corby will support speeds of up to 125mph for passenger trains. The existing lines between St Pancras and Bedford currently support speeds of up to 100 mph for electric passenger trains, and we are developing plans to adjust the Overhead Line Equipment on this section in order to enable the new trains coming into service on the Midland Main Line to run at the improved line speeds.

Public Transport: Capital Investment

Jim McMahon: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the equity of the distribution of transport capital investment in each region in each year since 2010.

Jesse Norman: Decisions about where and how to invest in transport are guided by the business case approach. This involves taking a range of strategic and economic factors into consideration in a fair and rigorous way, and ensures transport capital investment goes where it is most needed. The Department does not make assessments on the equity of the distribution of historic transport capital investment across regions. But ministers have long recognised historic underinvestment in transport infrastructure, especially in the North.

*No heading*

Mr Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if (a) peak and (b) off peak direct inter-city services to Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham will continue to stop at (i) Luton, (ii) Bedford and (iii) Wellingborough as a result of the proposed changes to the East Midlands rail network.

Paul Maynard: No firm decision on rail services in the next East Midlands franchise has yet been taken. The next franchise starts in August 2019. Invitations to Tender are due to be issued to potential bidders in April 2018. All options for rail services in the next franchise are subject to analysis of the potential benefits and our consultation with stakeholders, which closed on 11 October.

*No heading*

Mr Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will publish the (a) equality impact assessment and (b) feasibility studies on increased passenger numbers at Kettering railway station.

Paul Maynard: The public consultation included proposals to improve intercity journey times between Sheffield (via Derby), Nottingham and London St Pancras by not stopping as often at stations used by commuters, such as Luton, Bedford, Wellingborough and Kettering. Passengers at these stations would instead be served by dedicated and more capacious high quality trains operating on the Corby–London route. The consultation sought views on these proposals given that, although the majority of passengers will benefit, a minority of passengers would need to change trains to complete their journeys as direct services would be reduced. We are currently reviewing the responses to that consultation and no decisions have been taken yet regarding the future timetable.Both a) an equality impact assessment and b) a Kettering passenger number analysis will be carried out by the Department to inform this decision and we will publish them at the appropriate time.

Shipping: Minimum Wage

Mr Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 26 October 2017 to Question 109053, on shipping: minimum wage, what progress the legal working group made at its meeting on 1 November 2017.

Mr John Hayes: Good progress was made and the Group has agreed in principle a recommendation to be submitted to myself before Christmas.

Taxis: Disability

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the task and finish group on taxi and private hire vehicle licensing will invite disabled people and organisations representing disabled people to give evidence.

Mr John Hayes: In recognition of the breadth of perspectives and needs which the task and finish group on taxi and private hire vehicle licensing must consider in its review of sector issues, the terms of reference were designed to ensure that evidence could be taken from external parties. The group has recognised the importance of the sector to disabled people by already taking written evidence from the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, and the National Association of Taxi Users.

Taxis: Disability

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how his Department took account of the needs of disabled people when it set out the terms of reference and membership of the task and finish group on taxi and private hire vehicle licensing.

Mr John Hayes: The terms of reference and membership of the task and finish group on taxi and private hire vehicle licensing were designed to bring together a small but broadly representative group of sector stakeholders, to consider current issues and produce recommendations for action. In recognition of the breadth of perspectives that the group would need to consider, the terms of reference were specifically designed to ensure that the group would have the ability to invite others to provide evidence. To that end, the group has already taken written evidence from a range of organisations including the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, and the National Association of Taxi Users.

Aviation: Lasers

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if his Department will introduce legislative proposals to address the shining of lasers at aircraft and other vehicles.

Mr John Hayes: After considerable work with the UK Laser working group and across Whitehall, the Vehicle Technology and Aviation Bill contained clauses making it an offence to shine or direct a laser at a vehicle, designed to strengthen existing legislation to address the risk of lasers being used maliciously against aircraft and other vehicles. Unfortunately the Vehicle Technology and Aviation Bill fell upon prorogation. To provide further certainty to pilots and the wider public, the Department for Transport is continuing to look at other legislative vehicles to strengthen existing legislation.

Home Office

Home Office: Brexit

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department was consulted by the Department for Exiting the European Union on the economic impact assessments conducted for the UK leaving the EU.

Brandon Lewis: The Government is carrying out an ongoing programme of comprehensive analytical work that will inform our negotiating position with the EU, to define our deep and special partnership with the EU and inform our understanding of how EU exit will affect the UK’s domestic policies and frameworks.My Department is working with officials across government, in close coordination with the Department for Exiting the European Union, to ensure the delivery of a holistic programme of analysis across government.

British Nationality

Patrick Grady: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for how many years UK Visas and Immigration maintains records of applications for citizenship.

Brandon Lewis: Home Office Retention and Disposal Standards for corporate information are published at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-office-retention-and-disposal-standards/what-to-keep-home-office-guide-to-managing-information

British Nationality

Patrick Grady: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what procedures exist to determine whether a person is a British citizen if their citizenship is challenged or questioned.

Brandon Lewis: A person will usually be able to demonstrate they are a British citizen through presentation of a British passport or certificate of entitlement to the right of abode. When any question arises as to whether a person is a British citizen or not, the person seeking to establish a claim, must obtain the necessary information or documents themselves.

Immigration Rules: Missionaries

Judith Cummins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the Government's policy is on access for those visiting the UK with missionary status to the NHS.

Brandon Lewis: All non EEA nationals visiting the UK, including those visiting as religious workers to preach or do pastoral work, are subject to the Immigration Rules, available at (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-v-visitor-rules )If they do access NHS services, then they will usually be charged. The policy for charging visitors to the UK is the responsibility of the Department of Health. Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/uk-visitors/visiting-england/Pages/visitors-from-outside-the-eea.aspx

Counter-terrorism

Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she has put in place to ensure that groups run by people supporting extremist views are excluded from working with public sector institutions covered by the Prevent strategy, including the police.

Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to assist Prevent in its duty to inhibit public sector engagement with extremist groups.

Mr Ben  Wallace: The statutory Prevent duty places responsibility on certain public sector bodies to have ‘due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism’ in the exercise of their functions.Supporting statutory guidance sets out expectations for relevant public sectors including that organisations they work with are not engaged in extremist activity or espouse extremist views; public resources are not utilised by extremists; extremist views are appropriately challenged; and where appropriate, extremists are lawfully prosecuted, disrupted and deterred. Sector specific advice, training and support continues to be provided by the Home Office and other departments to support proportionate Prevent delivery.

Stalking

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential effect of the introduction of stalking protection orders in 2018 on the number of police investigations of alleged cases of stalking.

Sarah Newton: Stalking is a serious crime and this Government is committed to supporting victims and tackling and stopping perpetrators at the earliest opportunity. We are also committed to ensuring the police have the tools they need, which is why we consulted on the introduction of a new civil stalking protection order. Primary legislation is required to introduce the order and will be taken forward as soon as Parliamentary time allows.While it is for the police and Crown Prosecution Service to decide whether to arrest, investigate, charge or prosecute in a particular case, we are very clear that the new order will not be an alternative to bringing forward robust and rigorous investigations and prosecutions where appropriate. The new order would however allow the police and the courts to intervene early, before cases escalate, thereby reducing the harm to victims. The Home Office carried out a full impact assessment on the new stalking protection order which is available at GOV.uk.Once introduced, the effectiveness of the new orders will be kept under review.

Asylum: Deportation

Chris Stephens: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many failed asylum seekers have been deported on non-civilian aircraft in (a) 2016 and (b) 2017.

Chris Stephens: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate she has made of the cost to the public purse of deporting a failed asylum seeker on a non-civilian chartered flight in (a) 2016 and (b) 2017.

Brandon Lewis: The Home Office does not hold the information you have requested in a reportable format. The Government publishes Immigration Statistics which details the number of enforced removals by year. This can be found at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-statistics-april-to-june-2017/how-many-people-are-detained-or-returned#people-entering-detention-and-number-of-enforced-returns-from-the-uk

Metals: Theft

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what information her Department holds on the number of instances of metal theft from commercial premises since 2010; and what steps her Department is taking to tackle metal theft from commercial premises.

Sarah Newton: The most recent data available for metal theft offences recorded by police forces in England and Wales were published by the Office for National Statistics in November 2016. These showed a decrease in metal theft of 38% in 2015/16 compared with 2014/15 and a 74% decrease compared with 2012/13, which is when the Home Office first started collecting data on metal theft offences. These data do not differentiate between thefts from commercial premises and other thefts.The Home Office continues to work with the police-led National Metal Theft Working Group to understand the nature of metal theft and the impact that the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 has had on levels of metal theft.

UK Visas and Immigration: Lost Property

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 17 October 2017 to Question 105855, what information her Department holds on the number of people who have registered complaints for the loss of documents by UK Visas and Immigration in each of the last seven years.

Brandon Lewis: The following information is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/migration-transparency-data

EU Nationals: Immigration Bail

Anneliese Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many bail applications were made by EU nationals held in immigration detention over the last 12 months; and how many of those applications were successful.

Brandon Lewis: The Home Office does not hold the data requested.

European Arrest Warrants: Gibraltar and Spain

Liz McInnes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what her Department's policy is on continued participation in the European Arrest Warrant in order to prevent people using the border between Gibraltar and Spain to evade justice.

Brandon Lewis: The Government has recently set out proposals for an ambitious agreement to support our future cooperation with the EU on security and law enforcement.Agreeing effective arrangements for surrendering individuals who seek to evade justice by fleeing across country borders will form an important element of our future partnership with the EU.The Government’s proposals are set out in full in “Security, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice – a future partnership paper” which was published on 18 September available on the gov.uk website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/security-law-enforcement-and-criminal-justice-a-future-partnership-paper

Human Trafficking: Children

Carolyn Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of how the changes to the National Referral Mechanism announced on 17 October 2017 will affect children; and whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of implementing multi-agency decision-making in cases involving potential child victims of trafficking.

Sarah Newton: The recently announced package of reforms for the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) incorporated a number of measures that will improve the NRM process for children. These measures were informed by an evaluation of an 18 month pilot testing changes to the NRM process, including multi-agency decision-making, for both adult and child cases.The creation of a single, expert unit within the Home Office, to make decisions about whether somebody is a victim of modern slavery, will replace the current case management units in the National Crime Agency and UK Visas and Immigration, and will be separate from the immigration system. A priority for the new unit will be to ensure that it has the right balance of diverse expertise to be able to make effective decisions.The creation of an independent multi-agency panel to review all negative NRM decisions will not only increase confidence in the decision making process but will also significantly add to the scrutiny each case currently receives.In addition, we will roll out Independent Child Trafficking Advocates (ICTAs) nationally, and continue testing innovative ways of supporting trafficked children through the £2.2m funding we granted as part of the Child Trafficking Protection Fund. We will also explore how to make the NRM decision-making process more ‘child-friendly’, including looking at how we communicate NRM decisions to children and considering how local authorities can contribute to the decision-making process in a more consistent and structured way.

Members: Correspondence

Mr Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she will provide a substantive response to the letter dated 27 June 2017 from the hon. Member for Christchurch on the application by Mr Morley for British citizenship.

Brandon Lewis: I will write to the Hon. Member separately about this case.

Counter-terrorism

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what definition of British Values is used for the purposes of the Prevent Programme.

Mr Ben  Wallace: The Prevent Strategy defines our fundamental values as including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. It is important to articulate British Values as being core and fundamental to life in Britain. They are not uniquely British, but they are the things we value in Britain.

Hate Crime

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many incidents have been recorded in each category of hate crime in each year for which data is available.

Sarah Newton: The Home Office collects information on the number of hate crimes recorded by the police, by monitored strand. The latest statistics are published in the ‘Hate crime, England and Wales, 2016 to 2017’ statistical bulletin, available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hate-crime-england-and-wales-2016-to-2017This Government is committed to tackling hate crime. The UK has a strong legislative framework to tackle hate crime. We are working across Government with police, (including National Community Tensions Team), the Crown Prosecution Service and community partners to send out a clear message that hate crime will not be tolerated and we will vigorously pursue and prosecute those who commit these crimes.

Terrorism: Greater London

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Metropolitan Police has submitted a special grant request for the terrorist attacks at (a) Westminster and (b) London Bridge.

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether Greater Manchester Police has submitted a special grant request in relation to the terrorist attacks at Manchester Arena.

Mr Nick Hurd: The Home Office is working closely with the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police to help manage the cost of the immediate response to the recent attacks. The Metropolitan Police are currently preparing an application for Special Grant to support the financial consequences of the terrorist attacks at Westminster and London Bridge. The Mayor of Greater Manchester has applied for Special Grant to support the financial consequences of the terrorist attack on the Manchester Arena.

Home Office: Nurseries

Tracy Brabin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what childcare facilities her Department makes available for its staff; how much her Department spent (a) overall and (b) per child on those facilities in the last 12 months; and how many of her Department's staff use those facilities.

Sarah Newton: Staff in the Department can utilise the Westminster Holiday Play Scheme. This is a childcare facility that takes place during school holidays, open to children from the age of 4 years and 9 months up to 15 years’ old. It is run by a private company on behalf of a consortium of departments, through a contract led and administered by BEIS. It currently operates at 4 London locations. Parents/guardians meet more than half of the costs for children attending this scheme, but the Department pays either £14.78 or £15.68 (dependent on the age of the child) towards each day’s use of the scheme.During FY 2016/17, Home Office has recorded spend of £4045.84 on this play scheme. The Department does not collate details on the number of individual staff members who made use of the scheme or on the amounts spent per child.More widely, the Home Office operates a Childcare Voucher Salary Sacrifice Scheme for staff. Staff can choose to take part of their salary (up to £243 per month) in the form of childcare vouchers. As the vouchers are exempt from Tax and NI, a saving is made. The vouchers can be used to help meet the costs of a range of registered childcare.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Cash Dispensing: Fees and Charges

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions his Department has had in the last 12 months with the ATM Industry Association in Europe on interchange fees.

Margot James: The Department has had no such discussions.

Carbon Emissions

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 23 October 2017 to Question 108836, on carbon emissions, whether the proposals set out in the Clean Growth Strategy will enable the UK to meet the target set in the fifth carbon budget.

Claire Perry: The Clean Growth Strategy sets out our ambitious policies and proposals for meeting the carbon budgets set to date, including the fifth carbon budget.

Fracking

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether it is Government policy to ensure that baseline levels of environmental pollution prior to any fracking are not exceeded; and if he will make a statement.

Richard Harrington: The Government supports the use of baseline monitoring, which can be valuable in showing local communities environmental conditions ahead of operations, and helps ensure a more rigorous post-operation assessment. Environmental permits for shale gas sites set out conditions that require baseline monitoring as well as ongoing monitoring throughout operations. Baseline data is important in the understanding of existing local environmental conditions. Permit conditions seek to ensure that no unacceptable impacts are caused by operations on the environment. In the event that pollution is detected that can be attributed to permitted activities on any given site, action will be required to remediate any impact.

Fuel Poverty

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the average level of outstanding household energy bill debt in each year since 2010; what estimate he has made of the number of fuel-poor households which will remain in properties insulated below Energy Performance Certificate Band C by 2030; and if he will make a statement.

Claire Perry: Ofgem’s Domestic Suppliers Social Obligation: 2011 Annual Report shows the average level of consumer debt held by energy consumers in 2010 was £360 for electricity and £339 for gas, and in 2011 £357 for electricity and £371 for gas. The Ofgem report ‘vulnerable consumers in the retail energy market 2017’ shows the average level of debt at the point customers start to repay “take-on debt” from 2012 to 2016. The methodology for reporting debt levels changed in 2012. This means it is not possible to provide a like for like comparison from 2010 through to 2016.Figure 6 in the Ofgem report shows the average level of debt from 2012 to 2016, and can be found at: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/system/files/docs/2017/10/consumer_vulnerability_report_web_003.pdfThe fuel poverty strategy has interim milestones to improve fuel poor homes to Band E by 2020 and Band D by 2025. This guides an approach to targeting the least energy efficient properties first, as they are facing the most severe problem. The latest official statistics show that there were 835,000 fewer E, F or G rated fuel poor homes in 2015 compared to 2010. This focus on the least energy efficient homes does mean that fewer D rated homes are improved to Band C, within the same budget. The latest statistics show that 8% of fuel poor households are were rated Band C or better in 2015 and this is projected to increase to 11% in 2017.We will continue to make progress towards the fuel poverty milestones and 2030 target. The Clean Growth Strategy recently committed to at least £640m of support per year for home energy efficiency through to 2028 and we will be consulting in the new year on our proposals for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) to run from 2018 to 2022. In parallel, we will be considering the best forms of support for home energy efficiency over the longer term for subsequent consultation.

Fracking

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 30 October 2017 to Question 109370, on fracking, and with reference to his Department's hydraulic fracturing consent guidance, published in February 2017, whether licensees seeking hydraulic fracturing consent (HFC) will be required to provide details in environmental permit applications of proposed plans to undertake 12 months' monitoring of the level of methane in groundwater in relation to (a) the current application for HFC for Ryedale, North Yorkshire and (b) all future such applications.

Richard Harrington: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Nuclear Fusion: Research

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the effect the UK leaving the EU on nuclear fusion research in the UK.

Joseph Johnson: The Government is committed to ensuring that the UK continues to lead the world in fusion research[1]. Our recent future partnership paper[2] made clear our desire to continue to collaborate with the EU in this important field. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is working closely with the Department for Exiting the EU and the UK Atomic Energy Authority to engage constructively with our EU partners.We have already taken action to help secure the future of the Joint European Torus (JET) facility by guaranteeing the UK’s share of JET costs until the end of 2020. The relevant Written Ministerial Statement can be found here: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statement/Commons/2017-06-27/HCWS13/. [1] A 2016 independent review by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) found the UK fusion research programme to be ‘of world-class quality, in facilities, people and impact’.[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/collaboration-on-science-and-innovation-a-future-partnership-paper

Nuclear Fusion: Research

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Education on the effect of the UK leaving the EU on nuclear fusion research in the UK.

Joseph Johnson: The Government is committed to ensuring that the UK continues to lead the world in fusion research[1]. Our recent future partnership paper[2] made clear our desire to continue to collaborate with the EU in this important field. My appointment is shared between the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Department for Education. This role enables the two departments to maintain a coordinated approach across research and higher education.  [1] A 2016 independent review by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) found the UK fusion research programme to be ‘of world-class quality, in facilities, people and impact’.[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/collaboration-on-science-and-innovation-a-future-partnership-paper

Non-domestic Rates

Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the effect of the staircase tax on small businesses.

Margot James: Ministers and officials have frequent discussions with their Treasury counterparts on a range of matters, including business rates.My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has set out the government’s position on this issue, most recently in his evidence to the Treasury Committee on 11 October.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

North Korea: Guided Weapons

Mr Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with President Moon Jae-In since the launch of a second ballistic missile by North Korea over Japan's northern island of Hokkaido.

Mark Field: ​The Prime Minister spoke to President Moon Jae-in on 20 September at the UN General Assembly. The Foreign Secretary and I have regular contact with our US, Chinese, South Korean, Japanese and EU counterparts over the past month, including at the UN General Assembly in New York. The UK and the international community have condemned the aggressive and illegal actions of the North Korean regime, and the succession of missile and nuclear tests. W​e stand firmly by the Republic of Korea, Japan and our other international partners.

Cameroon: Homicide

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he or officials from his Department have made to the Government of Cameroon on recent alleged massacres in southern Cameroon.

Rory Stewart: The Government is deeply concerned to hear reports of deaths and injuries in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon, including reports that civilians were killed by the security forces and many more were injured.I released a statement on 4 October expressing the British Government's deep concern, urging restraint, and calling on all parties to reject violence and to enter into dialogue to find urgent solutions to Anglophone grievances.Our High Commission in Yaoundé continues to follow events in the Anglophone regions closely, meeting opposition groups and the authorities. The High Commissioner has raised the need for dialogue and restraint with the Prime Minister and a number of his Cabinet Ministers, as well as the Director General for Intelligence. He also underlined the importance of Cameroon's obligations under international law in respect to human rights. He has also voiced the United Kingdom's concerns publicly in interviews on Cameroonian television.

Cameroon: Peace Negotiations

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to encourage the Government of Cameroon and representatives of the Anglophone community in that country to negotiate in peace talks to put an end to recent alleged massacres in southern Cameroon.

Rory Stewart: I released a statement on 4 October expressing the Government's deep concern at the situation, urging restraint, and calling on all parties to reject violence and to enter into dialogue to find urgent solutions to Anglophone grievances.Our High Commission in Yaoundé continues to follow events in the Anglophone regions closely, meeting opposition groups and the authorities. The High Commissioner has raised the need for dialogue and restraint with the Prime Minister and a number of his Cabinet Ministers, as well as the Director General for Intelligence. We urge the Cameroonian Government to accept the United Nations' offer of help to support dialogue with the Anglophone community.

South Sudan: Politics and Government

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his counterpart in Sudan on the humanitarian and military situation in South Sudan.

Rory Stewart: The conflict and dire humanitarian situation in South Sudan was a key topic of discussion at the fourth session of the UK-Sudan Strategic Dialogue, which took place on 16 October.We welcomed the opening of humanitarian corridors by the Government of Sudan, which has allowed aid to be delivered to the most affected populations in South Sudan. We have also welcomed Sudan's hosting of increasing numbers of refugees from South Sudan. Through DFID's South Sudanese Refugees and Migration programme, we will provide lifesaving humanitarian assistance to up to 150,000 South Sudanese refugees in Sudan this year.We encourage the important role the Government of Sudan continues to play in the regional initiative, led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to revitalise the peace process in South Sudan.

Nigeria: Religious Freedom

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with to his Nigerian counterpart on the role of the International Centre of Interfaith, Peace and Harmony in promoting an end to religious violence in that country.

Rory Stewart: ​We regularly discuss security and the underlying causes of violence, including religious and community tensions, with members of the Nigerian government. The Foreign Secretary has not raised the work of this particular Centre with his Nigerian counterpart.Interfaith groups undoubtedly have an important role to play in reducing conflict and building bridges between communities. We will continue to work with the Nigerian government, non-governmental organisations and civil society to improve the security situation and human rights for all in Nigeria.

Yemen: Humanitarian Aid

Stephen Gethins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the creation of a humanitarian corridor to allow aid agencies and NGOs access to people in need in Yemen.

Alistair Burt: The UK has taken the lead in lobbying across the international community, urging all parties to the conflict to take action to ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. This call was repeated by the UN Security Council Presidential Statement (PRST) proposed and coordinated by the UK in June this year. The PRST expresses deep concern about the humanitarian situation in Yemen, and calls for recognition of the importance of unhindered humanitarian access. We will now work with our partners to convert words into action. We call on all parties to respect these unified and clear demands from the international community.

Yemen: Humanitarian Aid

Stephen Gethins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of the shortages of medical supplies, food and water in Yemen on the humanitarian situation in Yemen; and what support he plans to provide to authorities in Yemen to mitigate ill effects of those shortages.

Alistair Burt: Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Yemen is a key priority for the UK. In 2017/18 we are committing £155 million in aid to Yemen, making us the third largest humanitarian donor, and the second largest to the UN appeal. We are prioritising life-saving interventions including food and nutrition support to 1.7 million people and clean water and sanitation for an expected 1.2 million people. In line with the UK-sponsored UN Security Council Presidential Statement, agreed on 15 June, the Government continues to lead in lobbying across the international community, urging all parties to the conflict to take action to ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access.

Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade

Stephen Gethins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Gulf State counterparts on the effect of UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

Alistair Burt: ​UK arms sales, whether to Saudi Arabia or any other state, are subject to one of the most robust arms export control regimes in the world. All export licence applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, taking account of all relevant factors at the time of the application. The UK regularly raises with Saudi Arabia​ the importance of compliance with International Humanitarian Law.

Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade

Stephen Gethins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has received from civil society groups on the effects of UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

Alistair Burt: Ministers and officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office engage regularly with civil society groups in the UK and in the region on UK government policy with regard to Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

Nepal: Human Rights

Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Government of Nepal since the commencement of its mandate as a UN Human Rights Council member on upholding fundamental freedoms and human rights in that country.

Mark Field: ​Nepal was elected to the UN Human Rights Council on 16 October. This is an important opportunity for Nepal to demonstrate its commitment to fundamental freedoms and human rights in Nepal.Since then, on 26 October, I led a debate in the House of Commons on freedom of religion and belief, during which human rights in Nepal were raised. I subsequently wrote to the Prime Minister of Nepal expressing concerns over the recently passed Criminal Code. I have also raised this matter with the Nepali Ambassador in London, and our Ambassador in Nepal discussed this in early October with the Nepali Prime Minister. There are many positive elements in the Code, including criminalising torture, enforced disappearances, forced labour and slavery. However, some wording could be open to misinterpretation and potentially prevent legitimate expression of religion or belief for fear of prosecution. Both I and the British Embassy in Kathmandu have urged the Government of Nepal to ensure the final implementation of the Code does not curtail freedom of religious belief, and meets Nepal's international human rights obligations and international standards.

Cameroon: Internet

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to the Government of Cameroon on restoring internet access in the south of that country.

Rory Stewart: We are closely monitoring the situation in the south of Cameroon. Our High Commissioner in Yaoundé raised the question of access to the internet during his recent meetings with the Cameroonian Prime Minister and a number of his Cabinet Ministers, as well as with the Director General for Intelligence.

Sudan: Christianity

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to the Government of Sudan on the decree requiring Christian schools in Khartoum to remain open on a Sunday.

Rory Stewart: Sudan is a Human Rights Priority Country for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, and we continue to be concerned by reports of restrictions on freedom of religion or belief. We used the fourth session of the UK-Sudan Strategic Dialogue on 16 October to raise our concerns, in particular with regard to the demolition of churches and restrictions on Christian schools closing on Sundays, with the Sudan's Special Rapporteur of the Advisory Council for Human Rights.Our Embassy in Khartoum continues regularly to raise with the Government of Sudan our concerns, including on specific cases, about human rights and restrictions on freedom of religion or belief as part of our ongoing dialogue.

Sudan: Religious Freedom

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of freedom of religion or belief in Sudan.

Rory Stewart: Sudan is a Human Rights Priority Country for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, and we continue to be concerned by reports of restrictions on freedom of religion or belief. We used the fourth session of the UK-Sudan Strategic Dialogue on 16 October to raise our concerns, in particular with regard to the demolition of churches and restrictions on Christian schools closing on Sundays, with Sudan's Special Rapporteur for the Advisory Council for Human Rights.Our Embassy in Khartoum continues regularly to raise with the Government of Sudan our concerns, including on specific cases, about human rights and restrictions on freedom of religion or belief as part of our ongoing dialogue.

Sudan: Religious Freedom

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to the Government of Sudan on the arrests of religious leaders in Khartoum in August 2017.

Rory Stewart: Sudan is a Human Rights Priority Country for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, and we continue to be concerned by reports of restrictions on freedom of religion or belief. We used the fourth session of the UK-Sudan Strategic Dialogue on 16 October to raise our concerns, in particular with regard to the demolition of churches and restrictions on Christian schools closing on Sundays, with the Sudan's Special Rapporteur of the Advisory Council for Human Rights.Our Embassy in Khartoum continues regularly to raise with the Government of Sudan our concerns, including on specific cases, about human rights and restrictions on freedom of religion or belief as part of our ongoing dialogue.

Tibet: Human Rights

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to raise concerns on human rights abuses in Tibet directly with Xi Jinping.

Mark Field: The UK continues to express strong ​​concerns about human rights and freedoms in Tibet. We consistently urge the Chinese authorities to respect all fundamental rights across the People's Republic of China, in line with both its own constitution and the international frameworks to which it is a party.We raised our concerns about Tibet directly with the Chinese authorities at the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue held in Beijing on 27 June.

Antarctic: Marine Protected Areas

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to support a Marine Protected Area in the Weddell Sea through the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.

Sir Alan Duncan: The UK continues to support the establishment of Marine Protected Areas within the area covered by the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR - which is part of the Antarctic Treaty system) The UK supports, and is fully engaged in, developing proposals for a Marine Protected Area in the Weddell Sea. UK scientists are leading the proposal development through an expert workshop in the coming months, with the finalised proposal to be tabled at the next annual CCAMLR meeting for discussion and adoption.

Antarctic Ocean: Nature Conservation

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to raise levels of protection for the Antarctic Ocean.

Sir Alan Duncan: The UK continues to support the establishment of Marine Protected Areas within the area covered by the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (which is part of the Antarctic Treaty system). The UK led the proposal to establish a Marine Protected Area around the South Orkney Islands Southern Shelf which was agreed in 2009; and strongly supported the designation of the Ross Sea Region Marine Protected Area in 2016. The UK supports, and is fully engaged in, developing proposals for Marine Protected Areas in the Weddell Sea, East Antarctic and the Antarctic Peninsula regions of the Southern Ocean.

Antarctic: Marine Protected Areas

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that a proposed Marine Protected Area for East Antarctica is implemented.

Sir Alan Duncan: The UK continues to support the establishment of Marine Protected Areas within the area covered by the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR - which is part of the Antarctic Treaty system). The UK supports, and is fully engaged in, developing proposals for a Marine Protected Area in East Antarctica, which will be presented at the next annual CCAMLR meeting for discussion and adoption.

Diplomatic Service: Recruitment

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many diplomatic positions have been established since June 2016; and what the cost of their salaries is to the public purse.

Sir Alan Duncan: ​The FCO keeps its staff numbers under regular review in response to Ministerial priorities. Since June 2016, in response to the EU referendum, we have added 50 diplomatic positions to our Europe network and a further 6 positions at multilateral posts. The cost of posting these staff – including salary, overseas compensation and accommodation – is £4.2 million. Some of these posts have been funded through resource efficiencies and re-prioritisation identified by the Diplomacy 20:20 transformation programme.

Israel: Human Rights

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent meetings Ministers of his Department have had with Israeli human rights organisations on restrictions placed on them by the Israeli Government; and what assessment his Department has made of the effect of those restrictions on civil society space in that country.

Alistair Burt: ​Israel has a strong and vibrant civil society, and Ministers meet with Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) as part of our broad engagement with Israel. We have not made any formal assessment of the impact of recent legislative changes on NGOs in Israel, but consistently call on all countries to avoid any steps which could limit the space for civil society.

Middle East: Peace Negotiations

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his US counterparts on the US Administration's plans for peace in the Middle East.

Alistair Burt: The Foreign Secretary has discussed plans for peace in the Middle East with figures from the US Administration on many occasions. He has welcomed President Trump's interest in working for a peace deal that meets the requirements of both parties, and the UK's view remains that the two state solution is the best option to achieve that.

Northern Ireland Office

Northern Ireland Office: Correspondence

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when he plans to respond to the letter of 4 July 2017 from the British Association of Social Workers on universal credit specific circumstances and the Criminal Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1967.

Chloe Smith: A response to the British Association of Social Workers will issue this week.

Department for International Development

Cameroon: Overseas Aid

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what humanitarian and medical aid is being sent to southern Cameroon.

Rory Stewart: There is currently no request for international humanitarian aid in southern Cameroon. DFID is monitoring the situation closely in coordination with the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross; our assessment is that medical services in the southern region are able to cope without additional international support.DFID is providing humanitarian aid in northern Cameroon to 238,000 refugees affected by the Lake Chad Basin Crisis, as well as to 216,000 refugees from the Central African Republic in eastern Cameroon.

Gaza: Health Services

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the effect of the electricity crisis in Gaza on healthcare services.

Alistair Burt: According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), lifesaving services are being run on generators in Gaza as a result of electricity shortages, with many vital health, water and sanitation facilities being provided with emergency UN fuel to continue operating. The UK is supporting approximately 1 million Gazans by addressing critical water, sanitation and hygiene needs through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and is a long-term supporter of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), which provides basic services to 1.3 million people in Gaza, including basic health care. The UK will continue to urge all the parties to prioritise progress towards reaching a durable solution for Gaza and to take the necessary practical steps to improve condition, including restoring the availability of electricity as a matter of urgency.

Department for International Development: Nurseries

Tracy Brabin: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what childcare facilities her Department makes available for its staff; how much her Department spent (a) overall and (b) per child on those facilities in the last 12 months; and how many of her Department's staff use those facilities.

Rory Stewart: DFID has 2 HQ buildings in the UK, one in Whitehall and one in East Kilbride. Neither building provides childcare facilities however DFID operates the Childcare Voucher scheme to assist parents of young children with the cost of nursery and after school placements.

Department for Education

Children: Day Care

Tracy Brabin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 30 October 2017 to Question 109339, on children: day care, what the timetable is for publication of the independent evaluation.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The department will carry out an independent evaluation of 30 hours’ free childcare during the first two terms of national rollout. We currently have an invitation to tender issued which will close on Thursday 2 November. We will review the bids and appoint an independent contractor to undertake the year one evaluation of 30 hours before the end of the year. Following a scoping exercise the planned timetable for publication of the evaluation will be:Research fieldwork: January – May 2018.Report publication: by 1 September 2018.

Department for Education: Travel

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, which tickets relating to which journeys set out in her Department's transparency release entitled Ministers' Quarterly Returns Apr to June 2017, were (a) first, (b) business, (c) economy or (d) any other class.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The Ministers’ Quarterly Returns release refers to Minister Gibb’s trip to Singapore and Australia. The tickets are as follows: DepartArriveTicket ClassLondon HeathrowSingapore Changi InternationalBusinessSingapore Changi InternationalSydney Kingsford SmithBusinessSydney Kingsford SmithAdelaideBusinessAdelaideDoha Hamad InternationalBusinessDoha Hamad InternationalManchesterBusiness

Pupils: Health

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to section 100 of the Children and Families Act 2014, if she will bring forward a plan of action to raise awareness within (a) schools, (b) school governance bodies and (c) school inspectorates on the statutory requirement for schools to make arrangements for children with medical conditions.

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to her Department's guidance, entitled Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions, published in December 2015, if she will make an assessment of the proportion of schools with published policies for supporting pupils with medical conditions.

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to her Department's guidance, entitled Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions, published in December 2015, if she will make an assessment of the extent and effectiveness of partnership working in support of pupils with medical conditions between school staff, healthcare and social care professionals, local authorities and parents and pupils.

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to section 100 of the Children and Families Act 2014, how her Department monitors the implementation of the statutory duty on appropriate school authorities to make arrangements for pupils with medical conditions; and what records her Department holds on interventions to enforce that section by her Department or any other public body.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The government knows how important it is that all children with medical conditions are supported to enjoy a full education. That is why we introduced the duty, under section 100 of the Children and Families Act 2014, to require governing bodies to make arrangements to support pupils with medical conditions and have provided statutory guidance outlining schools’ responsibilities in this area. In complying with this duty, governing bodies should ensure that their school develops a policy for supporting pupils with medical conditions that is reviewed regularly and is readily accessible to parents and school staff. A school’s ability to support a child for with a medical condition will depend to an appreciable extent on collaborative working between school staff, parents and pupils, and other agencies such as local councils and healthcare professionals. The school’s policy should therefore identify collaborative working arrangements between all those involved, to help ensure that the needs of pupils with medical conditions are met effectively. Ofsted’s Common Inspection Framework requires inspectors, in making judgements, to pay particular attention to the outcomes of a range of groups of pupils, including those with medical needs. We also continue to work with organisations such as the Health Conditions in Schools Alliance to help raise further awareness of the duty, and have recently promoted the duty through the department’s social media channels.

National Curriculum Tests: Special Educational Needs

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assistance is available for children with dyslexia and learning difficulties to support them during key stage 2 assessment.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Statutory key stage 2 national curriculum assessments are intended to assess pupils’ abilities in a fair and comparable way, with as many pupils as possible able to access them. They are designed so that most pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including dyslexia and other learning difficulties, can participate but some pupils may require extra assistance. Access arrangements are adjustments that schools can make to support specific pupils during the tests, as long as they are based on normal classroom practice and do not advantage or disadvantage the specific pupil. Assistance available to support pupils with dyslexia or learning difficulties may include one or more of the following: additional time; a word processor or technical aid; an adult to act as a reader, scribe or prompter; and rest breaks. Guidance on the specific types of access arrangements available to schools was last published in January 2017, and an updated version will be released shortly:www.gov.uk/guidance/key-stage-2-tests-how-to-use-access-arrangements.

Schools: Vetting

Laura Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions she has had with the Home Secretary on ensuring that DBS checks for volunteers and governors who volunteer at multiple schools remain valid across all schools.

Mr Robert Goodwill: My Rt hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education has not had discussions with my Rt hon. Friend, the Home Secretary about DBS checks for school volunteers, including governors. Department officials maintain regular contact with the Home Office and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and are involved in key discussions on policy development. Statutory safeguarding guidance ‘Keeping children safe in education’, available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2, explains the circumstances in which schools are required to obtain DBS checks for staff, governors and volunteers. Where a person moves between roles in schools or between schools, provided the ‘level’ of DBS check required for each role is identical, there is nothing to prevent a school from accepting previously issued certificates. It is for schools to decide whether to accept a previously issued DBS certificate. DBS offer an online Update Service that reduces the need for individuals who subscribe to the service to apply for multiple checks to work with different organisations. Where the individual consents, a school can use the service to carry out a free online check to confirm if the information released on the DBS certificate is up-to-date. This helps shorten the time taken by employers to decide on suitability. DBS checks and subscription to the Update Service are free for those in unpaid roles.

Children in Care

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many looked-after children in England are subject to (a) Section 20, (b) Section 25, (c) Section 38 and (d) Section 31 of the Children Act 1989.

Mr Robert Goodwill: At 31 March 2017, there were 50,470 looked after children who were subject to a care order, of which 40,190 were subject to a full care order under Section 31 and 10,270 were subject to an interim care order under Section 38.There were 16,470 looked after children who were voluntarily accommodated under Section 20.There were 170 looked after children who were placed in secure accommodation under Section 25.

Children and Young People: Mental Illness

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to improve the capacity of schools and colleges to support children and young persons who are experiencing mental illness.

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will take steps to introduce a counselling strategy for schools.

Nick Gibb: Good mental health is a priority for the Government. On 9 January, the Prime Minister committed to a range of activity to improve the lives of children including the publication of a Children and Young People’s Mental Health Green Paper by the end of this year. We are working with the Department of Health to ensure Mental Health First Aid training is available to all secondary schools, with the aim of having trained at least one teacher in every secondary school by 2019. Funding is split between the Department of Health and Mental Health First Aid England. By the end of this year, 1000 places will be delivered across 100 courses, with one representative from each school per course. The scheme will extend in 2018 and 2019 to cover every secondary school in England. Many secondary and an increasing number of primary schools provide pupils with access to counselling support. In order to provide schools with the help they need to deliver this provision effectively, the Department published a blueprint for school counselling services. Further details can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/counselling-in-schools. The Government recognises that teachers are not mental health professionals. Where more serious problems occur, it is expected that pupils should receive additional support from, amongst others, professionals working in specialist Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS), voluntary organisations and local GP practices. The Department is extending its pilot to identify points of contact for mental health in schools and NHS CYPMHS to up to 1200 more schools and colleges in 20 additional Clinical Commissioning Group areas.

Carers

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many children are in kinship care.

Mr Robert Goodwill: I am sorry, but the department does not collect complete information on the number of children in kinship care.Data is collected on looked after children who are placed with an approved foster carer who is a relative, friend or other person connected with the child (locally known as ‘family and friends foster care’ or ‘kinship foster care’) and special guardianship orders (SGOs) made to carers other than former foster carers.In the year to 31 March 2017, there were 8,830 looked-after children in a foster care with a relative, friend or other connected person. This information is available in table A2 of the Statistical First Release ‘Children looked after in England including adoption: 2016 to 2017’ at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/children-looked-after-in-england-including-adoption-2016-to-2017.

Special Guardianship Orders

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the breakdown rate for special guardianship orders has been in the last six months for which data is available.

Mr Robert Goodwill: I am sorry, but this information is not collected by the department.

Academies: Closures

Jim McMahon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much has been written-off by her Department as a result of over-payments to academies and free schools which have since closed.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The Department for Education has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Secondary Education: Coventry South

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the pupil-teacher ratio was in secondary schools in Coventry South constituency in each year since  2010.

Nick Gibb: The attached table provides the average pupil to teacher ratio[1] in state funded secondary schools as reported by schools in Coventry South parliamentary constituency and England in November each year from 2011 to 2016. [1] The Pupil Teacher Ratios are calculated by dividing the total FTE number of pupils on roll in schools in each year by the total number of FTE teachers in schools in each year. Where schools are not open on Census day (January) they are excluded. See School Workforce Census methodology document for further information: Methodology: SFR25/2017.



Table
(Excel SpreadSheet, 23.72 KB)

Ministry of Justice

Employment Tribunals Service: Fees and Charges

Chris Stephens: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the effect of changes to the level of tribunal fees on the number of women pursuing a sex discrimination claim; and if he will make a statement.

Dominic Raab: The Government’s post implementation review of fees, which included an assessment of the impact of fees in relation to discrimination claims, was published on 31 January 2017 and can be found at the following location: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/587649/Review-of-introduction-of-fees-in-employment-tribunals.pdf Following the Supreme Court’s judgment in the case of R (Unison) v Lord Chancellor, which was handed down on 26 July 2017, we immediately stopped charging fees for Employment Tribunals proceedings. We are considering the wider implications of the ruling for courts and tribunals fees.

Social Security Benefits: Appeals

Chris Stephens: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what proportion of appeals to the Tribunal Service in (a) Glasgow South West constituency, (b) Glasgow, (c) Scotland and (d) the UK for (i) personal independence payments, (ii) employment and support allowance, (iii) income support, (iv) jobseekers allowance and (v) tax credits were successful in the latest period for which figures are available.

Dominic Raab: Information about the volumes and outcomes of appeals to the First-tier Tribunal (Social Security and Child Support) is published at:www.gov.uk/government/collections/tribunals-statistics.The information provided below is a further breakdown of these data.Proportion1 of appeals decided in favour of the appellant in the latest period for which figures are available April – June 2017  PIP2ESA3ISJSATax Credits4Glasgow559%71%~723%69%Scotland55%70%~30%47%Great Britain6 65%68%34%49%36%1 Proportion of decisions in favour, based on the number of appeals found in favour of the appellant as a % of the cases cleared at tribunal hearing.2 Personal Independence Payments (New Claim Appeals), which replaced Disability Living Allowance from 8 April 2013, also includes Personal Independence Claims (Reassessments).3 Includes Employment and Support Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Reassessments)4 Tax Credits includes Working Family Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Working Tax Credit.5 First-tier Tribunal (Social Security and Child Support) appeals for Glasgow South West constituents are heard in the Glasgow venue but this venue also hears appeals from other Glasgow constituencies. It is not possible to provide constituency-specific data.6HM Courts & Tribunals Service administers appeals for appellants living in England, Scotland and Wales. Data are therefore for those appellants only. The Northern Ireland Courts & Tribunals Service administers appeals for appellants living in Northern Ireland.7~ denotes fewer than five appeals.Although care is taken when processing and analysing the data, the details are subject to inaccuracies inherent in any large-scale case management system and are the best data that are available.

Probation

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the effect of the timescale to which the 2013 probation reforms were delivered on the outcomes of those reforms.

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the operational and financial outcomes of the 2013 probation reforms.

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what lessons have been learnt from implementing the first contract for the delivery of probation services by community rehabilitation companies in England and Wales; and how those lessons inform his Department's approach to implementing the second contract in four years' time.

Mr Sam Gyimah: The Transforming Rehabilitation (TR) reforms introduced in 2013/14 were delivered to agreed timescales. In their report published in April 2016, the National Audit Office noted that ‘services have been sustained throughout a period of major change, with users reporting that services had stayed the same or improved’.We closely monitor the performance of both the NPS and CRCs to make sure services are protecting the public, reducing reoffending and delivering the orders of the court. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation has found the work of the NPS to be good in many regions, and recently praised Cumbria CRC for ‘prioritising public protection’ and their ‘quality of assessment and planning’. Despite extending supervision to around 40,000 additional released prisoners each year and introducing new services, overall spend on the probation system has remained broadly stable.We recognise that probation needs to improve and aspects of service are falling short of our expectations. That is why we conducted an internal review of the probation system and as a result made changes to CRC contracts to reflect more accurately the fixed costs of delivering services to offenders. This will enable providers to focus on delivery of critical operational services, although payments are still below original forecasts. We continue to keep the operation of the probation system under review and are exploring further improvements that could be made to the delivery of services.

Community Rehabilitation Companies: Finance

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether community rehabilitation companies in England and Wales have received any additional funds in addition to the agreed contract price in 2016-17.

Mr Sam Gyimah: Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) received additional funding which totalled £37.15m in the 2016/17 financial year. These payments were made for a variety of reasons and cannot be broken down by CRC because the information is commercially sensitive. Furthermore, agreements were made with CRCs on a case-by-case basis to enable them to re-invest contractual deductions in key areas of the business and improve services. We have made changes to how CRCs are paid for future years so they can focus on activities that best rehabilitate offenders and keep society safe. This additional investment will see projected payments to providers being no higher than originally budgeted for at the time of the reforms.

Squatting: Business Premises

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans his Department has to bring forward legislative proposals to prohibit the squatting of premises in the commercial property sector.

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent discussions his Department has had with the Crown Prosecution Service on ensuring that prosecutions are brought against people committing crimes whilst squatting premises in the commercial property sector.

Dominic Raab: We have no current plans to bring forward legislative proposals to prohibit squatting in commercial properties. The investigation of offences committed during squatting in commercial properties is a matter for the police and, where there is sufficient evidence to justify a prosecution, it is for the Crown Prosecution Service to consider whether one is required in the public interest. There have been no recent discussions with the Crown Prosecution Service about this.

Ministry of Justice: Travel

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, which tickets relating to which journeys set out in his Department's transparency release, entitled Ministers transparency return: April to June 2017, published on 20 October 2017, were (a) first, (b) business, (c) economy and (d) any other class.

Dominic Raab: The journeys undertaken for the period, April to June 2017 as set out in the latest Ministers transparency release were all economy class.

Slavery: Criminal Injuries Compensation

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what reasons the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority gave to victims of modern slavery who were denied compensation after 1 January 2012.

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the mean compensation paid by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority to victims of modern slavery was after 1 January 2012.

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many victims of modern slavery have been denied compensation by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority after 1 January 2012.

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many victims of modern slavery have been awarded compensation by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority since 1 January 2012.

Dr Phillip Lee: The information requested is not held centrally.

Prisoners: Money

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the balance is of money held by prison authorities  on behalf of prisoners who have already been released from custody but are yet to receive that money.

Mr Sam Gyimah: The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Employment Tribunals Service: Fees and Charges

Chris Stephens: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how much HM Courts and Tribunal Service received in employment tribunal fees in (a) 2016-17 and (b) 2017-18; and what proportion of that sum was foregone in fee remission.

Dominic Raab: Information on HMCTS’s income and fee remissions, including for Employment Tribunals, is contained in the HMCTS Annual Report and Accounts. The accounts for 2016/17 can be found at the following location: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/630426/HMCTS_Annual_Report_and_Accounts_201617_Web.pdf In 2016/17, HMCTS received £8m in fee income, and fee remissions worth a further £4m were granted under the Help with Fees scheme. The Ministry of Justice stopped charging fees in the Employment Tribunals on 26 July 2017 following the Supreme Court’s judgment in the case of R (Unison) v Lord Chancellor. Information on the fee income and remissions for 2017-18 will be included in the 2017/18 Annual Report and Accounts which will be published in the summer of 2018.

Special Guardianship Orders

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many children are subject to special guardianship orders.

Dominic Raab: The number of children who are made the subject of a special guardianship order is published in the Court Statistics Quarterly available at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/family-court-statistics-quarterly.Orders may be made for a limited duration or may be discharged subsequently by the court. Information is not held centrally about the number of children currently subject to a special guardianship order.

Child Arrangement Orders

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many children are subject to child arrangement orders.

Dominic Raab: The number of children who are made the subject of a child arrangements order is published in Court Statistics Quarterly available at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/family-court-statistics-quarterly.Orders may be made for limited duration or may be discharged subsequently by the court. Information is not held centrally about the number of children currently subject to a child arrangements order.

Courts: Oldham

Jim McMahon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of the closures of (a) Oldham Magistrates Court and (b) Oldham County Court broken down by (i) removal of fixtures and fittings, (ii) remaining lease payments, (iii) dilapidation (iv) ongoing security and utilities and (v) other costs.

Dominic Raab: The cost to the public purse of the closures of Oldham Magistrates’ and County Court is as follows. Oldham County CourtFull exit on 15 September 2017Lease ended on 17 September 2017 (i) Removal of fixtures and fittings (decant and porterage; excludes IT decommissioning, which is captured in “other costs” below)£35,000(ii) Remaining lease paymentsNone – lease exited 17 Sept 2017(iii) DilapidationsUnknown – negotiations are ongoing with landlord(iv) Ongoing security and utilities£630 (total cost between exit and disposal)(v) Other costs£116,800 Dilapidations are commercially sensitive as works are not yet complete. Oldham Magistrates’ CourtFull exit on 20 March 2017Disposal on 1 April 2017 (i) Removal of fixtures and fittings (decant and porterage; excludes IT decommissioning which is captured in “other costs” below)£15,700(ii) Remaining lease paymentsN/A freehold(iii) DilapidationsN/A freehold(iv) Ongoing security and utilities£2,500 (total cost between exit and disposal)(v) Other costs£70,800 Costs provided are estimates. Other costs include IT decommissioning, excess travel fares to staff (based on an expectation that these will be paid for three years) and disposal costs (Oldham Magistrates’ Court only – fees). These costs are considered to be at a normal level for courts of this nature.

Personal Independence Payment: Appeals

Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the average waiting time was for personal independence payment tribunals in (a) Newport East constituency, (b) Wales and (c) the UK in each of the last seven years.

Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the average waiting time was for employment and support tribunals in (a) Newport East constituency, (b) Wales and (c) the UK in each of the last seven years.

Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the average waiting time was for income support tribunals in (a) Newport East constituency, (b) Wales and (c) the UK in each of the last seven years.

Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the average waiting time was for tax credit tribunals in (a) Newport East constituency, (b) Wales and (c) the UK in each of the last seven years.

Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the average waiting time was for jobseeker's allowance tribunals in (a) Newport East constituency, (b) Wales and (c) the UK in each of the last seven years.

Dominic Raab: The tables below provide the requested information: The average time from receipt (weeks)1 in HM Courts & Tribunals Service to outcome Newport East2Year32010-112011-122012-132013-142014-152015-162016-17Personal Independence Payment4~8~~5.112.318.413.9Employment and Support Allowance517.919.711.714.21316.713.5Income support1825.818.819.633.927.634.3Tax Credit614.319.822.912.513.326.314.6Jobseekers Allowance15.419.51313.11922.430.2  The average time from receipt (weeks) 1 in HM Courts & Tribunals Service to outcome WalesYear32010-112011-122012-132013-142014-152015-162016-17Personal Independence Payment4~8~~4.312.916.416.8Employment and Support Allowance520.721.313.317.314.616.115.4Income support22.126.822.219.528.729.833.1Tax Credit619.322.926.215.115.324.614.9Jobseekers Allowance17.520.51312.717.41627.6  The average time from receipt (weeks) 1 in HM Courts & Tribunals Service to outcome Great Britain7Year32010-112011-122012-132013-142014-152015-162016-17Personal Independence Payment4~8~~9.414.215.715.6Employment and Support Allowance519.422.817.221.326.815.714.4Income support2024.620.519.729.224.223.4Tax Credit615.818.72315.916.522.417.2Jobseekers Allowance12.713.910.811.423.415.819.3Average Clearance Time – time taken from appeal receipt to outcome. This includes both those cleared at hearing and those cleared without the need for a tribunal hearing.First-tier Tribunal (Social Security and Child Support) appeals for Newport East constituents are heard in the Langstone, Newport venue. It is not possible to provide constituency-specific data. The data includes appeals heard at the Cwmbran venue in 2010-13 only as it is no longer in use as a tribunal venue.Financial year April to March.Personal Independence Payments (New Claim Appeals), which replaced Disability Living Allowance from 8 April 2013, also includes Personal Independence Claims (Reassessments).Employment and Support Allowance includes Employment and Support Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Reassessments).Tax Credit includes Working Family Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Working Tax Credit.HM Courts & Tribunals Service administers appeals for appellants living in England, Scotland and Wales. Data are therefore for those appellants only. The Northern Ireland Courts & Tribunals Service administers appeals for appellants living in Northern Ireland.~ denotes fewer than five appeals.Although care is taken when processing and analysing the data, the details are subject to inaccuracies inherent in any large-scale case management system and are the best data that are available.

Ministry of Justice: Nurseries

Tracy Brabin: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what childcare facilities his Department makes available for its staff; how much his Department (a) overall and (b) per child on those facilities in the last 12 months; and how many of his Department's staff use those facilities.

Dr Phillip Lee: There are no on-site childcare facilities provided by the Ministry of Justice on its estate. However, the Department recognises that employees need flexible pre-school and out-of-school childcare of a type and in a location most convenient to them, and we offer a salary sacrifice scheme for childcare vouchers. This enables employees to choose their own childcare provider (subject to meeting eligibility requirements) and have their childcare costs reduced by taking part of their salary in the form of childcare vouchers, which are exempt from tax and National Insurance contributions.We also offer a range of flexible working options to staff, including term-time working, job shares and compressed hours, to allow staff with caring responsibilities to work in the way that best suits them.

Leader of the House

Opposition Days: Government Responses

Paula Sherriff: To ask the Leader of the House, pursuant to the Written Ministerial Statement of 26 October 2017, HCWS 199, on Opposition Day debates, whether a ministerial response to a resolution of the House will take the form of a Written or Oral Statement.

Andrea Leadsom: As set out in my Written Ministerial Statement of 26 October, the Government will respond to Opposition day resolutions within 12 weeks. It is intended that Ministers will attend the Chamber wherever possible but a Written Ministerial Statement may be provided from time to time.

Ministry of Defence

Defence: Procurement

Douglas Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the NAO Report, Improving value for money in non-competitive procurement of defence equipment, published on 25 October 2017, whether he plans to bring forward legislative proposals to amend the Single Source Contract Regulations under the Defence Reform Act 2014.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Secretary of State is required by law to complete a review of the Single Source Contract Regulations within three years of them coming into force. He will announce the results of the review, including any proposed changes to legislation, in due course.

Single Source Regulations Office

Douglas Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will break his Department's link with the Single Source Regulations Office and make it an independent body.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: As an executive, non-departmental public body, the Single Source Regulations Office (SSRO) is set up such that the day to-day decisions are independent and are removed from Ministers and Civil Servants. Ministry of Defence Ministers are, however, ultimately responsible to Parliament for its independence, effectiveness and efficiency.We have no plans to change this.

Armed Forces: Alcoholic Drinks and Drugs

Ronnie Cowan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what alcohol and drug testing is currently carried out on military personnel on active service.

Ronnie Cowan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what support is available to educate Ministry of Defence service personnel on alcohol and drug consumption; and what support is provided to personnel who are addicted to alcohol or drugs.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Armed Forces do not tolerate the taking of controlled drugs as it is incompatible with military Service and reduces operational effectiveness. All Service personnel are subject to random compulsory drug testing, regardless of deployed status. Providing a positive result, indicating the presence of controlled substances, will normally result in an administrative discharge.Unlike drugs, the Armed Forces do not randomly test for alcohol. However, Service law does set a limit on the amount of alcohol a person subject to Service law can have in their breath, blood or urine in relation to prescribed safety-critical duties. This effectively creates alcohol limits for certain predetermined duties and personnel involved in safety related incidents are immediately subject to post-incident alcohol testing. A Commanding Officer also has the authority to direct an alcohol test for individuals carrying out safety-critical duties, should there be grounds to suspect excessive alcohol in their system.Personnel are provided with through-Service education on alcohol and drug misuse. During Phase 1 training, Service personnel receive education on alcohol and drug misuse and the associated health risks. Specific health promotion activities take place during the year, including Health and Wellbeing days, poster campaigns and targeted alcohol awareness strategies highlighting the dangers of alcohol misuse.The Defence Medical Services provide a comprehensive assessment and treatment programme for those addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. This is provided at one of the 11 Departments of Community Mental Health or four smaller Mental Health Units with in-patient care if needed, provided under contract by a consortium of eight NHS Trusts.

Ministry of Defence: Redundancy

Douglas Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the annual savings to the public purse for MOD civilian employees who have (a) accepted redundancy and (b) left the service but whose jobs will not be replaced in each of the last two years.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The information requested is not held in the format requested. Savings resulting from restructuring are reallocated within the Defence budgeting process. It is not possible to attribute savings to individual posts.

Veterans

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will introduce new veterans support services staffed and run by former service personnel.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has no such plans. The MOD works closely with other Government Departments, Local Authorities, employers and Service charities to ensure that veterans have the support they need, now and in the future.

Frigates

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will name one of the new Royal Navy Frigates, HMS Seaham.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The names for the new City Class Type 26 Frigates have been decided and will be announced at appropriate opportunities in the future. So far two ships have been named as HMS GLASGOW and HMS BELFAST.

Type 31 Frigates: Antisubmarine Warfare

Chris Stephens: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what anti-submarine warfare capability he plans to include on the Type 31e General Purpose Frigate; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: We are currently considering a range of capability requirements based on the role of the Type 31e, their operating environment and likely future threats that will be faced. Final decisions on Type 31e capabilities will be made closer to the Main Investment Decision point.

Armed Forces: Training

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which units from HM Armed Forces will be participating in cold weather training in Norway in 2018; and how many such personnel will take part from each unit.

Mark Lancaster: The UK Armed Forces units and the numbers of personnel that are planned to take part in cold weather training in Norway in 2018 are given below:  Unit Personnel numbers45 Commando Royal Marines 130Commando Logistics Regiment Royal Marines 70Queen’s Dragoon Guards, 1 Royal Irish, Queen's Royal Hussars 35Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Brigade, 19 Regiment Royal Artillery, 1 YORKS, Light Dragoons 10Total 245

Military Exercises

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which units from HM Armed Forces will be participating in Exercise Trident Juncture 2018; and how many such personnel will take part from each unit.

Mark Lancaster: On current planning assumptions, the following UK Armed Forces units and personnel are due to participate in Exercise Trident Juncture 2018: from the Naval Service, three destroyers and/or frigates, four mine counter measures vessels, a mine warfare battle staff, and one Royal Marines Company; from the Army, HQ 4 Infantry Brigade in command with squadrons from 11 Signals Brigade, Light Dragoons, Engineers, combat service support, 1 Royal Irish and a Military Police Platoon; from the Royal Air Force, four Hawk aircraft from 100 Squadron based at RAF Leeming.While the precise details are yet to be confirmed, it is expected that in the region of 2,300 Service personnel will deploy on the exercise.

Ministry of Defence: Land

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the total extent of MOD Landholdings is; and how much land the Department has sold in each year between 2010 and 2017.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: As at 1 April 2017 the Department owned or held rights to 433,800 hectares of land. The amount of land the Department has sold in each financial year since 2010 is shown below:  Financial Year Area in Hectares  2010-112702011-121,2602012-138542013-145132014-159692015-161572016-175272017-18 (To Date)184

Saudi Arabia: Cluster Munitions

Mr Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the UK last offered to assist Saudi Arabia destroy any remaining stocks of the BL-755 cluster munition in line with the UK's commitment to the Cluster Munitions Convention; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The UK offered to remove and destroy Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) stocks of BL-755 cluster munitions in 2010. The UK welcomes Saudi Arabia's commitment in 2016 that it would no longer use BL-755 cluster munitions.The UK takes its obligations under the Cluster Munitions Convention very seriously and continues to fulfil them. In this respect, we have continued to encourage Saudi Arabia to accede to it.

Armed Forces: Pay

Mike Amesbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will meet armed forces veterans and personnel in Weaver Vale constituency to discuss armed forces pay.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: Defence Ministers regularly meet and speak with members of the Armed Forces and veterans about a range of issues, including terms and conditions of service. If the hon. Member would like to contact my office, I would be happy to meet him to discuss this issue.

Department for Work and Pensions

Unemployment: North East

Mr Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reasons the north east has the highest unemployment rate in the UK for June to August 2017; and if he will make a statement.

Damian Hinds: The unemployment rate in the North East is 5.8%, back to pre-recession levels. The unemployment rate reflects a range of elements such as local labour market conditions, and demographic factors. However, the rate has fallen by 1.0 percentage point over the last year, the third largest fall of any region, and by 3.8 percentage points since 2010. The government is committed to maintaining and improving this performance through our welfare reforms and the support offered by Jobcentre Plus.

Unemployment

Mr Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent comparative assessment he has made of rates of unemployment in the north east and other UK regions.

Damian Hinds: The unemployment rate in the North East is 5.8%. The rate has fallen by 1.0 percentage point over the last year, the third largest fall of any region, and by 3.8 percentage points since 2010. The unemployment level has fallen by 46,000 (38%) since 2010.

Universal Credit

Dr Philippa Whitford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the individual components that make up a universal credit award will be listed separately on the claimant's bank statement.

Damian Hinds: The Universal Credit award is not broken down and shown on the claimant’s bank statement but the information can be found on their Universal Credit online account.

Social Security Benefits: Telephone Services

Chris Stephens: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the average length of time a person making an initial telephone inquiry making a claim for social security benefit spent on the telephone in the last 12 months.

Damian Hinds: The Department for Work and Pensions does not estimate the average length of time a person will spend on the telephone making an initial enquiry about a claim for a social security benefit. The data received from BT and outsource partners does not distinguish between first and subsequent calls.

Universal Credit

Chris Stephens: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many officials of his Department at each grade have undergone more than 12 hours of training on universal credit; and how many officials of each grade will have undertaken such training on the completion of the full roll-out of universal credit.

Damian Hinds: The Department’s policy is to develop its staff in the skills and knowledge required to support a range of customers and deliver their services.Universal Credit continues to be rolled out throughout the country and staff continue to be trained to support the implementation. Since the answer of 12 September 2016 to Question 44399, there have been a further 4,880 colleagues that have undergone more than 12 hours of training on Universal Credit. This takes the total number of colleagues to 17,047. However, due to a change in reporting systems a breakdown by grade could only be provided at a disproportionate cost.We are planning that all DWP staff who will be working with Universal Credit by the time of full roll out will have completed the required training. We plan on a flexible basis to meet customer demand and therefore forecasts vary.

Jobcentre Plus: Redundancy

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 30 October 2017 to Question 109688, on jobcentres: closures, how many redundancies will come from each job role and function; and on what payscales those employees affected are.

Damian Hinds: We will be able to be more specific regarding the number of staff leaving on redundancy at the end of the first notice period, which is anticipated to be at the end of February 2018.

Personal Independence Payment: Appeals

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people who have personal independence payment claims initially refused are successful at appeal.

Penny Mordaunt: In the 52 months between April 2013 and July 2017, the latest dates for which data is available, 57,910 Personal Independence Payment (PIP) decisions which were initially disallowed, and where this decision was upheld at mandatory reconsideration (MR), were overturned at appeal. This represents 2% of all PIP decisions in this time. Period covered: April 2013 – July 2017 (latest available data).

Social Security Benefits: Wales

Ian C. Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans he has to amend the Social Security (Information-sharing in relation to Welfare Service etc) Regulations 2012 to enable data-sharing on employment and training between his Department and the Welsh Government.

Caroline Dinenage: I can confirm that the amendments have been made to the aforementioned Regulations and were laid before Parliament on 23 October. They are due to come into force on the 15th November 2017 and will be known as “The Social Security (Information-sharing in relation to Welfare Services etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2017”. These amendments will allow the Department for Work and Pensions to provide information on people aged between 18 and 25 who are in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit to Careers Wales (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Welsh Government) and to allow Careers Wales to hold such information to allow them to provide advice, assistance and support to such persons.



EM (info regs) 2017
(PDF Document, 39.23 KB)

Pensions Regulator: Universities Superannuation Scheme

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will place in the Library all correspondence undertaken between the Pensions Regulator and (a) the Universities Superannuation Scheme and (b) Universities UK since the actuarial valuation in 2014.

Guy Opperman: The Government established the Pensions Regulator as an independent body to provide regulatory oversight of work based pension schemes. As such, the Department for Work and Pensions does not have access to the information that the Regulator holds in relation to individual pension schemes. Section 82 of the Pensions Act 2004 prevents the disclosure of such restricted information by the Regulator or by any person who receives the information directly or indirectly from the Regulator, except in certain, prescribed, circumstances, none of which are judged to apply in this case.

Department for Work and Pensions: ICT

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department holds a central list of the IT and digital assets of its arm's-length bodies.

Caroline Dinenage: The DWP has a database of the devices which are deployed to DWP staff and to all the other users (contractors, suppliers, relevant OGDs and Arm’s length bodies with access to DWP systems).

Social Security Benefits: Motor Neurone Disease

Mike Amesbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment his Department has made of the effect on people with motor neurone disease of being reassessed for personal independence payments and other assistance.

Penny Mordaunt: I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave on 23 October 2017 to Question UIN 108380.

Universal Credit

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what eligibility criteria are planned for each passported benefit for applicants for universal credit.

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, which passported benefits are dependent on receipt of a benefit being merged within universal credit; how many people received each such passported benefit in each of the last three financial years; and what the total cost was of those benefits in each of those years.

Damian Hinds: The eligibility criteria, and the number of recipients and costs of passported benefits is a matter for the responsible department or the devolved administrations. Where the passported benefit includes one of the legacy benefits, Universal Credit has been added to the eligibility criteria so that people who claim the new benefit can continue to qualify.

Social Security Benefits: Motor Neurone Disease

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to ensure the prompt payment of benefits to people with motor neurone disease; whether his Department plans to make changes to that regime for such people; and if he will make a statement.

Penny Mordaunt: We are committed to processing all claims as quickly as possible, while ensuring we have all the evidence we need to make the right decisions. In Personal Independence Payment around 81,000 claims are processed each month compared with 80,000 per month this time last year. As at July 2017 the average claimant was waiting 8 weeks for an assessment for both new and reassessment claims. Where a claimant is terminally ill, their claim is fast tracked, these cases are currently taking just 6 working days to clear.

Universal Credit

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate his Department has made of the (a) shortest, (b) average and (c) longest time taken from first contact to receipt of universal credit.

Damian Hinds: The information asked for is not available in the format requested.

Social Security Benefits: Disability

Mr Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the Department's target times are for getting disability benefits claims back into payment after a tribunal rules in a claimant's favour; and what the times achieved were in the last 12 months.

Penny Mordaunt: We do not have any target times, but aim to deal with any case as quickly as possible paying arrears where necessary. The times taken to process appeal decisions post hearing are not available.

Local Housing Allowance

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment the Government has made of the effect that freezing local housing allowance has had on the number of (a) tenants in rent arrears and (b) tenants in the private rented sector.

Caroline Dinenage: The information requested is not available.

Local Housing Allowance

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether he has any plans to review the freezing of local housing allowance rates.

Caroline Dinenage: There are no plans to lift the four year Local Housing Allowance (LHA) freeze before April 2020. The Government recognises however that the impact of this measure varies across the country, especially in areas of high rental growth and in view of this 30 per cent of the savings from the LHA Freeze are being recycled to create Targeted Affordability Funding. This funding is used to increase LHA rates in areas where local rents have diverged the most. For example in 2017/18, 48 LHA rates have been increased by 3 per cent. Further Targeted Affordability Funding will be made available in 2018/19 and 2019/20. In addition since 2011, the Government has provided around £900 million in Discretionary Housing Payments to local authorities to protect vulnerable claimants and support households affected by different welfare reforms including the freeze to LHA rates.

Employment and Support Allowance

Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what proportion of claimants of employment and support allowance are awarded payments through the exemption contained in paragraph 25(b) of the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2013.

Penny Mordaunt: The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Brexit

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department was consulted by the Department for Exiting the European Union on the economic impact assessments conducted for the UK leaving the EU.

George Eustice: The Government is carrying out an ongoing programme of comprehensive analytical work that will inform our negotiating position with the EU, to define our deep and special partnership with the EU and inform our understanding of how EU exit will affect the UK’s domestic policies and frameworks Defra is working with officials across government, in close coordination with the Department for Exiting the European Union, to ensure the delivery of a holistic programme of analysis across government.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Brexit

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate he has made of the costs incurred by his Department in the current financial year in preparation for the UK leaving the EU.

George Eustice: Like all departments, Defra is planning for a number of scenarios for the UK’s departure from the EU to make sure we are ready on Day 1. Over £250m of additional funding has been approved across a number of departments, including Defra, in 2017/18 to make necessary preparations. Additional funding received from the reserve for 2017/8 will be set out at Supplementary Estimates. The costs of EU Exit in 2018-19 will be affected by negotiations over the coming months.

Organic Farming: Permaculture

Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what information his Department holds on the number of organic farms in the UK which use permaculture or sustainable intensification techniques.

George Eustice: In 2016, there were 3,559 organic farms (producers) in the United Kingdom. Through the Sustainable Intensification Research Platform we know that some of these farms practice sustainable intensification but we do not keep a record of the numbers. We do not keep a record of the number of farms that practice permaculture.

Waste Disposal

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Environment Agency's licensing, monitoring and enforcement of the law on the dumping of waste materials.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The Environment Agency regulates legitimate waste operations through a series of permits or registrations and they carry out regular monitoring of all these activities. They have effective systems to focus regulatory effort on the poor performing, high risk sites and activities. In 2016 over 92% of the 14,000 regulated demonstrated good compliance and were rated in the highest compliance bands. The Environment Agency manages a 24-hour incident hotline and records all reports of large scale illegal dumping and illegal waste sites. They also have teams of intelligence officers and a specialist crime unit, who gather and act on intelligence reports. These are used to target higher risk crime and organised criminals. The Environment Agency has a target to close down 45% of illegal sites within 90 days and every year stops more than 900 illegal sites from operating. In the financial year 2016/2017 they brought 138 prosecutions against businesses and individuals for waste crime offences, yielding more than £2 million in fines. They continue to explore innovative ways of preventing and disrupting criminal activity, extending their enforcement powers and working with many partner organisations including the Police and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.

Insecticides: Research

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what research his Department has funded to investigate alternatives to neonicotinoid insecticides; and if he will provide a list of that research.

George Eustice: Defra does not fund research into the development of individual insecticides; this would fall to the agrochemical sector. A number of public bodies fund broader research into pest control chemicals, biological controls and cultural methods. This includes funding from Innovate UK through mechanisms including the Agri-Tech Catalyst, which helps develop innovative solutions to challenges in crop production. Any Defra research into alternatives to current chemical pesticides can be found at: http://randd.defra.gov.uk.

Fishing Catches: British Overseas Territories

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what fishing tonnage quota is assigned to the UK for each of its Overseas Territories; and what fishing quota is assigned to each vessel.

George Eustice: Marine and fisheries management issues are devolved matters for UK Overseas Territories (UKOT), who are responsible for managing fishing licensing issues, including vessel allocations. In terms of international quota allocations, however, St Helena (including Ascension and Tristan da Cunha), Bermuda, BVI and Turks and Caicos are part of the UKOT membership to the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). Within ICCAT, the UKOTs have been allocated quota for bigeye tuna (2,100t), albacore (100t), swordfish (25t), which is divided between these territories, based on historical interests.

Animal Welfare: Sentencing

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will consult (a) Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and (b) other animal welfare charities before publishing the draft legislation to increase sentences for animal cruelty for wider consultation.

George Eustice: As announced on 30 September, a bill to increase the maximum penalties for animal cruelty will be available for comment around the turn of the year. It has not been decided what form of consultation will be undertaken.

Bees: Conservation

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the future of UK agriculture without a healthy bee population.

George Eustice: Bees and other pollinators play an essential role in our £100 billion food industry. In 2014, Defra published an independent review of the evidence on the status and value of pollinators. The review estimated that pollinators added approximately £600 million per year to the value of UK crops through increased yield in oil seed rape and various fruit and vegetables. The review identified an overall decline in wild and honey bees over the past 50 years highlighting the potential future risk to the yield or quality of UK crops, and recommending future research. The research evidence base on pollinators and pollination is constantly improving and we keep this under review through our expert advisory groups. We are also taking action both to understand better any future risks and to mitigate them. In collaboration with research institutes, the Devolved Administrations and volunteer organisations, we have established a pollinator monitoring and research partnership to gather further data and improve our understanding of the status of pollinators and pollination services in the UK. We have also introduced a Pollinator and Wildlife Package to our Countryside Stewardship Scheme in England, and are working with farmers, business and conservation organisations to provide pollinator habitat on farmland, in urban areas and in gardens in order to boost pollinator populations.

Fracking

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether permission for the shale gas industry to proceed with a fracking operation under the environmental permitting regime can only be granted in the event that the regulatory authorities are satisfied that baseline levels of pollution are not exceeded.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Environment Agency permits for shale gas sites set out conditions that require baseline monitoring as well as ongoing monitoring throughout operations. Baseline data is important in the understanding of existing local environmental conditions. The permit sets out the conditions for operators to follow so that their activities do not cause unacceptable impacts on the environment. In the event that pollution is detected that can be attributed to permitted activities on the site, action will be required to remediate any impact and the operator may be subject to enforcement action.

Britvic: Norwich

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has received an HR1 form from Britvic Soft Drinks Ltd notifying him of the potential loss of jobs at the company's Norwich site.

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has made with the management at Britvic Soft Drinks Ltd on potential job losses in Norwich.

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with Britvic Soft Drinks Ltd on financial support for its site in Norwich.

George Eustice: Information provided to the Government under Section 193 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, regarding proposed redundancies is commercially confidential. The purpose of this information is to provide those facing redundancy, with assistance such as training and job seeking advice. Any information provided through this process is not in the public domain. It is open to employers to take legal action for breach of confidence if such unauthorised disclosures were made. Therefore, we are unable to provide the information requested. Officials at Defra have been in contact with Britvic. The company is in the process of consulting on the proposals with elected employee representatives and, therefore, it would be inappropriate for the Government to comment at this time. We know that this is an uncertain time for Britvic workers affected by the news and we will be working with the company to ensure that employees receive appropriate support.Britvic is part of our dynamic and world-class food and drink industry, which is our largest manufacturing sector. It is a private company, and, therefore, the Government is not involved in its decision-making process. DWP stands ready to support the company’s workforce in the event of potential job losses.

Department for Communities and Local Government

Community Relations: Religion

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what grants his Department has made to which (a) Muslim, (b) Jewish, (c) Christian and (d) inter-faith organisations for the purposes of integration and community cohesion in each year since May 2015.

Mr Marcus Jones: The Department for Communities and Local Government provided funding totalling £9.7 million in 2015/16 and £11.2 million in 2016/17 to a range of organisations delivering projects and activity to help create more integrated communities. Within those totals, the following grants were provided to support organisations or activities with a significant faith element. Organisation2015/16 (£000s)2016/17 (£000s)Anne Frank Trust UK6384Board of Deputies of British Jews2510Faith Matters182504Fayre Share Foundation125175Holocaust Memorial Day Trust980980Inter Faith Network for the United Kingdom220305MITZVAH DAY 3652010The Church Urban Fund1,5001,960Ummah Help333400Wiener Library3000

Housing: Construction

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what proportion of housing development has taken place on (a) greenbelt and (b) brownfield land in each of the last 20 years in England; how many housing units have been built in (i) greenbelt and (ii) brownfield land in each such year; and how many hectares of (A) greenbelt and (B) brownfield land have been consumed by housing in each such year.

Alok Sharma: a) England figures for the percentage of housing built on Green Belt land for each calendar year from 1989 to 2011 inclusive are available in live table P246 at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/267566/201312_-_Tables_P243-P246_-_LUCS_-_Changes_on_the_Green_Belt.xlsEngland figures for the percentage of housing built on Green Belt land for each financial year from 2013-14 to 2015-16 inclusive are available in live table P310 at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/595736/1516_Land_Use_Change_Statistics_Live_Tables_Feb_revision.xlsx. They are based on a different methodology from those for 2011 and earlier years and so are not directly comparable.b) England figures for the percentage of housing built on previously-developed land for each calendar year from 1989 to 2011 inclusive are available in live table P211 at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/267562/201312_-_Tables_P211-P213_-_LUCS_-_Changes_on_Previously_Developed_Land.xlsEngland figures for the percentage of housing built on previously developed land for each financial year from 2013-14 to 2015-16 inclusive are available in live table P300 at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/595736/1516_Land_Use_Change_Statistics_Live_Tables_Feb_revision.xlsx. They are based on a different methodology from those for 2011 and earlier years and so are not directly comparable.The attached table provides estimated numbers of housing units built on (i) Green Belt and ii) previously-developed land in the last 20 years.a) The number of hectares of Green Belt land used for housing in each calendar year from 1989 to 2011 inclusive are available in live table P246 at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/267566/201312_-_Tables_P243-P246_-_LUCS_-_Changes_on_the_Green_Belt.xlsThe number of hectares of Green Belt land used for housing in each financial year from 2013-14 to 2015-16 inclusive are available in live table P382 at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/595736/1516_Land_Use_Change_Statistics_Live_Tables_Feb_revision.xlsx. They are based on a different methodology from those for 2011 and earlier years and so are not directly comparable.b) The number of hectares of previously-developed land used for housing in each calendar year from 1989 to 2011 inclusive are available in live table P226 at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/267563/201312_-_Tables_P221-P226_-_LUCS_-_Land_changing_to_residential_use.xlsThe number of hectares of previously-developed land used for housing in each financial year from 2013-14 to 2015-16 inclusive are available in live table P371 at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/595736/1516_Land_Use_Change_Statistics_Live_Tables_Feb_revision.xlsx. They are based on a different methodology from those for 2011 and earlier years and so are not directly comparable.   



Table - estimated number of housing units
(Excel SpreadSheet, 15.78 KB)

Fracking

Mike Amesbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Oral Answer of the Prime Minister, Official Report, column 300, of 25 October 2017, what discussions he has had with the Prime Minister on the proposals to be brought to Parliament on fracking.

Alok Sharma: Holding answer received on 30 October 2017



The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has regular discussions with the Prime Minister around matters of planning policy.

Homelessness

Mr David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of resources available to local authorities to fulfil the additional duties placed on them under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

Mr Marcus Jones: The Homelessness Reduction Act requires local authorities to carry out additional duties to prevent and relieve homelessness and to intervene earlier to prevent homelessness.The Government committed to fund the Act in line with the longstanding ‘new burdens’ doctrine. We announced funding of £61 million in January 2017 and, following further discussions with local authorities on the new duties, have provided an additional £11.7 million. This takes the total amount of new burdens funding to £72.7 million.A new burdens assessment has been completed and can be found at the following link:   https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/homelessness-reduction-act-new-burdens-funding

High Rise Flats: Fire Prevention

Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 6 July 2017 to Question 750, on building regulations: fires, when the Government plans to publish the outcome of the review of fire safety guidance as a result of the fire at Lakanal House in 2013.

Alok Sharma: The Coroner’s report into the Lakanal House fire recommended that the fire safety guidance in Approved Document B be reviewed to provide clearer guidance. In February of this year, the Department published a report into the usability of the guidance. The Department has been working on a revision of the guidance in Approved Document B in line with the Plain English principles.The Government has subsequently asked Dame Judith Hackitt to lead an independent review of the Building Regulations and fire safety, and will determine what further action is needed in light of her recommendations, which was recommended by the Coroner, following the Lakanal House fire.

High Rise Flats: Fire Extinguishers

Marsha De Cordova: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what funding he plans to provide to local authorities for the installation of sprinklers in tower blocks.

Alok Sharma: The decision on whether to install sprinklers is a decision for each building owner, and they should consider advice from fire safety experts.Building owners are responsible for funding fire safety measures, but councils should contact us if they have any concerns about funding fire safety works. Government will consider financial flexibilities for local authorities which need to undertake essential fire safety work to make a building safe.

Temporary Accommodation

Mr David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the proportion of temporary accommodation declared unfit for human habitation; and what estimate he has made of the number of children living in such temporary accommodation in each of the last three years.

Mr Marcus Jones: Local authorities have a duty to ensure that any accommodation provided for a homeless household under the homelessness legislation must be suitable.Local authorities also have strong and effective powers to deal with poor quality unsafe accommodation. The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), assesses the health and safety risks in all residential properties. If a property is found to contain serious (category 1) hazards, the local authority has a duty to take the most appropriate action. We expect local authorities to use these powers which provide an important safety net, ensuring that homes are safe and decent.DCLG publishes regular statistics, which includes the number of children in temporary accommodation. The latest statistics can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/homelessness-statistics.

Local Council Tax Support Schemes Independent Review

Yvonne Fovargue: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, when his Department plans to publish its response to the Ollerenshaw Review of Local Council Tax Support Schemes (LCTS), published on 31 March 2016; and what steps he plans to take to better understand the effect of LCTS on individuals and councils.

Mr Marcus Jones: The Department has considered the recommendations made by Eric Ollerenshaw in his review of local council tax support schemes. The Government response to the review’s findings will be published shortly.

Non-domestic Rates

Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the effect of the staircase tax on small businesses.

Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what steps he plans to take to address concerns raised by small businesses on the effect of the staircase tax.

Mr Marcus Jones: The Government is aware of the change in the Valuation Office Agency’s approach to assessing units within buildings in multiple occupation, following the Supreme Court judgement in the Mazars v Woolway case. The Government is considering the implications of this judgement.

Fire Prevention

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 1 November 2017 to Question 108490, on fire prevention, whether his Department plans to publish future correspondence between his Department and the Local Government Association of fire safety.

Alok Sharma: My Department publishes correspondence on a case by case basis where there is a public interest in doing so.

Council Tax Reduction Schemes

Sir Vince Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the number of council tax reduction recipients who are subject to recovery action in relation to their council tax liability.

Mr Marcus Jones: Recovery action in relation to council tax liability, including for those individuals benefiting from council tax reduction schemes, is a matter for individual local authorities. The Government does not collect such data.

Council Tax Reduction Schemes

Sir Vince Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what estimate he has made of the minimum amount of council tax paid once the local council tax reduction scheme is taken into account in each local authority area.

Mr Marcus Jones: The Department does not collect data on the minimum amount of council tax paid after the local council tax reduction scheme is taken into account. Each local authority sets the criteria for its scheme taking into account local circumstances and the needs of residents.

Social Rented Housing: Sales

Mr Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what his policy is on mandating the sale of homes owned by social housing associations.

Alok Sharma: We are currently considering the extension of Right to Buy discounts across England to housing association tenants, through the voluntary agreement with housing associations, and will announce more details in due course.

Radicalism: Research

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 1 November 2017 to Question 107853, on radicalism: research, whether his Department plans to conduct or commission any research on public attitudes towards extremism.

Mr Marcus Jones: The Home Office lead on counter-extremism policy within Government. There are no plans for DCLG to conduct or commission research on public attitudes towards extremism.

Wales Office

Research: Wales

Jo Stevens: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what proportion of the additional £4.7 billion announced by the Government in April 2017 for investment in research and development funding his Department plans to allocate to businesses in Wales.

Alun Cairns: The £4.7 billion increase in research and development funding over the next 4 years is a UK wide programme that will award funding based on the quality of applications. Wales is home to world class research and innovation and my department is working hard to ensure as many applications as possible are received from Wales.

Economic Situation: Wales

Jo Stevens: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what comparative assessment his Department has made of the proportional effect of leaving the EU with no deal on the Welsh and UK economies.

Alun Cairns: As part of our work preparing to make a success of our departure from the European Union we are carrying out a full suite of economic analysis. We want our future relationship with the EU to be a deep and special partnership, taking in both economic and security cooperation. We are confident that a future partnership between the UK and EU is in the interests of both sides, so we approach these negotiations anticipating success. We do not want or expect a no deal outcome. However, we have a duty to plan for an alternative to the unlikely scenario in which no mutually satisfactory agreement can be reached I will continue to work with other Government departments, my expert panel of stakeholders, the Welsh Government, and the National Assembly for Wales, to support the Welsh economy and promote a prosperous Wales within a strong United Kingdom.

HM Treasury

Tax Evasion

Chris Stephens: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people are employed to investigate tax evasion in the HM Revenue and Customs (a) affluent unit and (b) high net worth unit; and if he will make a statement.

Mel Stride: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have brought together their High Net Worth Unit and Affluent teams to form a single Wealthy team. This organisational change will ensure that HMRC deploy their specialist, highly skilled resource on those wealthy individuals that present the highest compliance risk. As at 31 March 2017, the team had approximately 1040 full time equivalent staff engaged in customer compliance activity. Their roles focus on promoting tax compliance and tackling non-compliance amongst the wealthy population, including, where evidence is found, investigating potential tax evasion. The team works closely with Counter Avoidance and Fraud Investigation Service to ensure HMRC effectively tackle avoidance and evasion within this customer segment. Customer compliance activity as a whole forms is the largest part of HMRC by staff numbers.

Revenue and Customs: East Kilbride

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions officials of his Department have had with trade union representatives on the proposed transfer of 2,700 HM Revenue and Customs posts from East Kilbride to Glasgow.

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what financial impact assessment the Government has made relating to the transfer of HM Revenue and Customs posts from East Kilbride to Glasgow.

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions officials in his Department have had with (a) the Scottish Government and (b) South Lanarkshire Council on the proposed transfer of HM Revenue and Customs posts from East Kilbride to Glasgow.

Mel Stride: In relation to the Locations Programme, including the move of staff from East Kilbride to Glasgow, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has regular contact with the departmental trade unions, through scheduled monthly and other meetings and/ or correspondence, to ensure they are aware of its developing plans. Departmental trade unions are briefed in advance of any announcements.HMRC works with the unions to seek individual solutions for staff members unable to move to regional centres.HMRC continues to work with local councils and relevant stakeholders across the UK, including those in Scotland, throughout implementation of this strategy.HMRC’s decision to move to regional centres is part of a wider Government strategy to develop Government hubs. HMRC is prioritising its commitment to maximising tax revenue, increasing compliance and reducing the tax gap.

Stamp Duty Land Tax

Alex Sobel: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has considered the use of stamp duty relief to encourage homeowners to downsize.

Mel Stride: At Autumn Statement 2014 the government reformed Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), cutting the tax for 98% of homebuyers who pay it. The new system reduced SDLT for most transactions, including for those looking to downsize. In most cases it is likely that the financial gain that property owners receive from downsizing will outweigh the costs of doing so, as Private Residence Relief means that most homeowners will not pay any Capital Gains Tax when they move home.

Revenue and Customs

Chris Stephens: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many needs-enhanced enquiries were made to HM Revenue and Customs in each of the last 12 months.

Mel Stride: The total number of needs-enhanced enquiries received by HM Revenue and Customs in the last 12 months are set out below: November 2016 14171December 2016 7274January 2017 10910February 2017 7336March 2017 10704April 2017 9398May 2017 9897June 2017 9818July 2017 9572August 2017 8734September 2017 7762October 2017 5981

Public Finance

Tom Brake: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has made an assessment of whether the UK leaving the EU without a deal will have an effect on the level of available public finance; and if he will make a statement.

Elizabeth Truss: The Government has undertaken a significant amount of work to assess the impact of leaving the EU as part of continued rigorous and extensive analytical work on a range of scenarios. The Prime Minister has ‎made clear that the UK aims to agree an ambitious and comprehensive economic partnership with the EU.

Income Tax: Tax Rates and Bands

Tom Brake: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has made an assessment of whether the UK leaving the EU without a deal will have an effect on income tax rates; and if he will make a statement.

Mel Stride: The Government has undertaken a significant amount of work to assess the economic and fiscal implications of leaving the EU as part of continued rigorous and extensive analytical work on a range of scenarios. The Prime Minister has ‎made clear however that the UK aims to agree an ambitious and comprehensive economic partnership with the EU that is of far greater scope and ambition than any existing free trade agreement.

Brexit

Tom Brake: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what information his Department holds on the cost to the public purse of each Department's workstreams on the UK leaving the EU.

Elizabeth Truss: The Treasury has committed over £250 million of additional spending in 2017-18 to prepare for EU Exit from the Reserve. Departmental allocations will be set out at Supplementary Estimates in the usual way. This is in addition to the £412m of additional funding over the parliament announced at Autumn Statement 2016 for the Department of International Trade, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for Exiting the European Union. That means the government has allocated over half a billion pounds so far in funding to ensure a successful exit from the EU.

Revenue and Customs: Northern Ireland

Lady Hermon: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the need for additional Revenue and Customs officials in Northern Ireland as a result of the UK leaving the EU; and if he will make a statement.

Mel Stride: Additional staffing required by HMRC across the UK following exit from the European Union will depend on the final outcome of the negotiations. HMRC are working with other government departments sharing the responsibility for maintaining the flow of trade through our borders to provide a seamless customs system. The Government recognises the unique case of the Northern Ireland – Ireland land border, and has been clear that there will be no return to the borders of the past. It is for this reason that avoiding a ‘hard border’ between Ireland and Northern Ireland is one of the Government’s three strategic objectives that have informed development of the policy options outlined in the recently published Future Customs Arrangements: A Future Partnership Paper.

Stamp Duty Land Tax

Mrs Anne Main: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much tax revenue the Treasury has raised from stamp duty land tax by tax bands in each year since 2010; and what estimate he has made of revenue expected in each of the next five years.

Mel Stride: Statistics on stamp duty land tax receipts since 2010, by price band, are published in the Annual Stamp Taxes Publication 2016-17, which can be found via this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-stamp-tax-statistics Forecast revenues for stamp duty land tax for 2017-2018 to 2020-21 are published by the Office of Budget Responsibility in Table 2.6 of the Economic and Fiscal Outlook – supplementary fiscal tables. http://budgetresponsibility.org.uk/download/march-2017-economic-and-fiscal-outlook-supplementary-fiscal-tables-receipts-and-other/

Welfare Tax Credits: Underpayments

Mrs Anne Main: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the amount of tax credit underpayments in each year since 2003.

Elizabeth Truss: The number and total value of tax credits underpayments are available in the publication “Child and Working Tax Credits Statistics, Finalised Annual Awards Supplement on Payments in 2015-16”. The statistics are available on gov.uk at the following location: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/617181/Child_and_Working_Tax_Credits_statistics_finalised_annual_awards__supplement_on_payments_-_2015_to_2016.pdf The table on page 8 provides information on the amount of tax credit underpayments in each year since 2003-04, up until the latest available year of 2015-16.

Stamp Duty Land Tax

Mrs Anne Main: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the number of transactions in each stamp duty land tax band since 2010; and what estimate he has made of that number for the next five years.

Mel Stride: Statistics on stamp duty land tax receipts since 2010, by price band, are published in the Annual Stamp Taxes Publication 2016-17, which can be found via this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-stamp-tax-statistics Forecast residential property transactions 2017-2018 to 2020-21 are published by the Office of Budget Responsibility as part of the determinants of the fiscal forecast in Table 4.1 of the Economic and Fiscal Outlook – supplementary fiscal tables.  http://budgetresponsibility.org.uk/efo/economic-fiscal-outlook-march-2017/

Customs

Bill Esterson: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what preparations he has made to ensure skilled staff are in place for operation of customs arrangements on the day the UK leaves the EU.

Mel Stride: HM Revenue and Customs are considering the capacity and capability requirements for future customs arrangements as part of their EU exit planning. This will be kept under review as negotiations progress.The future customs controls required following EU exit will depend on the outcome of the negotiations. The Government will work to ensure that trade between the UK and the EU is as frictionless as possible.

Equitable Life Assurance Society: Compensation

Layla Moran: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the number of Equitable Life policyholders who have received payments of less than a quarter of their relative losses.

Stephen Barclay: The Payment Scheme published a final report in November 2016 which set out the number of people who were issued payments. A copy can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/equitable-life-payment-scheme-final-report.

Equitable Members Action Group

Layla Moran: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he next plans to meet representatives of the Equitable Members' Action Group.

Stephen Barclay: There are no scheduled meetings with the Equitable Members Action Group.

Revenue and Customs: Brexit

Michael Tomlinson: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much has been allocated to HM Revenue and Customs in percentage and cash terms on preparation for no deal being reached in negotiations on the UK leaving the EU.

Elizabeth Truss: HM Treasury is working with all departments to understand the funding requirements to prepare for Brexit effectively. The additional funding HMRC has received for 2017-18 will be set out at Supplementary Estimates and funding for future years will be confirmed at a later date.

Stamp Duty Land Tax

Tim Loughton: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing  regional rates of stamp duty.

Mel Stride: The Scotland Act 2012 provided the Scottish Parliament with powers to replace UK Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). Land and Buildings Transaction Tax replaced UK SDLT in Scotland from 1 April 2015. From April 2018, Land Transaction Tax will replace UK SDLT in Wales. The Government holds all taxes under review.

Financial Services Compensation Scheme

Chris Williamson: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on the potential merits of extending the Financial Conduct Authority's Financial Services Compensation Scheme to cover debt management.

Stephen Barclay: The Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy meet regularly to discuss a range of issues. The Financial Conduct Authority confirmed that it will extend Financial Services Compensation Scheme protection to cover client money held in debt management firms in its October 2017 consultation on the funding of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Taxation: EEA Nationals

Mr Jacob Rees-Mogg: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many EU-EEA citizens are currently recorded within HM Revenue and Customs' tax and tax credit system.

Mel Stride: The number of EU and EEA citizens that interact with HMRC through payment of Income Tax or National Insurance Contributions, or receipt of tax credits or Child Benefit, is available in the publication “Income Tax, NICs, Tax Credits and Child Benefit Statistics for EEA Nationals, 2014 to 2015”. The statistics are available on gov.uk at the following location: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/639819/Income_Tax_NICs_Tax_Credits_and_Child_Benefit_Statistics_for_EEA_Nationals_2014_to_2015.pdf Table B1 (page 10) provides information on Income Tax, National Insurance Contributions, tax credits and Child Benefit with a breakdown by EU country, and aggregates for EEA and EU. Table D1 (page 14) shows the total number of non-UK EEA nationals with a tax record. These tables show that in 2014-15, 580,000 EEA nationals were claiming tax credits and there were 2,870,000 EEA nationals with an Income Tax record.

Revenue and Customs: Buildings

Jim McMahon: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will publish a list of the HM Revenue and Customs offices scheduled for closure.

Mel Stride: A schedule of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) office closures was placed in the Library of the House in August 2016. HMRC will place an updated version there in due course.

Global Restructuring Group

Bill Esterson: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the oral evidence given by Andrew Bailey of the Financial Conduct Authority before the Treasury Select Committee on 31 October 2017, if he will make an assessment of the robustness of the methodology adopted by Global Restructuring Group in its valuation of businesses and determination of fees.

Bill Esterson: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the oral evidence given by Andrew Bailey of the Financial Conduct Authority before the Treasury Select Committee on 31 October 2017, if he will take steps to ensure that the FCA publishes its analysis of the methodology adopted by Global Restructuring Group in its valuation of businesses and determination of fees.

Stephen Barclay: The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published an interim summary of its independent review of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s treatment of small and medium-sized enterprise customers transferred to its Global Restructuring Group. The FCA announced it is investigating the matters arising from the report and focussing on whether there is any basis for it to take further action. It would not be appropriate for the Government to comment further whilst this process is ongoing.

Pensions: Direct Marketing

Julia Lopez: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress the Government has made on brining forward legislative proposals to prohibit pensions cold-calling.

Stephen Barclay: The government is committed to banning pensions cold-calling. Following a consultation, the government will bring forward draft legislation for scrutiny to ban pensions cold-calling, including texts and emails, in early 2018. It will then legislate on a ban as soon as Parliamentary time allows.

Non-domestic Rates: Appeals

Steve McCabe: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many complaints he has received from businesses about the new system for contesting business rates since the revaluation of business rates in April 2017.

Mel Stride: The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) have received 83 complaints under their formal complaints procedure about the new business rates appeals system, Check, Challenge, Appeal (CCA), between 1 April 2017 and 31 October 2017.

Business: Loans

Bill Esterson: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 2 November 2017 to Question 110240 on the Royal Bank of Scotland, what plans he has to extend the responsibilities of the Financial Conduct Authority to oversee business lending.

Stephen Barclay: The Government is committed to extending the regulatory perimeter only where there is a clear case for doing so, in order to avoid putting additional costs on lenders that would ultimately lead to higher costs for businesses. However, unincorporated sole traders and small partnerships borrowing less than £25,000 do receive regulatory protection. In practice, the effect of this is that the smallest SMEs are more likely than not to receive regulatory protections when borrowing.

Department for Exiting the European Union

Department for Exiting the European Union: Trade Unions

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, how many meetings he has had with trades unions since July 2016.

Mr Steve Baker: Stakeholder engagement is a central element of our ongoing plan to negotiate a successful outcome and achieve the best deal for the UK and the EU. We are committed to hearing from as many organisations, companies and institutions as possible, including trade unions.One of the Secretary of State’s first meetings following the Department’s creation was with the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress. The Secretary of State for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial also meets the Trades Union Congress regularly.Details of Ministerial meetings are published in the Department’s Quarterly Transparency Returns, which are made publicly available on GOV.UK.

NHS England

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, how many meetings he has had with the chief executive of NHS England since July 2016.

Mr Robin Walker: The Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union has not had any meetings with Simon Stevens, the Chief Executive of NHS England, since July 2016. However, the Secretary of State for Health has regular meetings with Mr Stevens on a range of topics, including on preparations for the UK’s Exit from the EU, and Department of Health (DH) officials are working closely with NHS England to prepare for EU exit.The Department for Exiting the European Union works closely with every department, including DH, to build a detailed understanding of how withdrawal will affect domestic policies and to ensure preparations are being made across government both for a negotiated settlement and for the unlikely scenario in which no mutually satisfactory agreement can be reached.

Security: Northern Ireland

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what plans he has to consult (a) the PSNI, (b) the Northern Ireland Department of Justice and (c) other bodies in Northern Ireland on the proposals contained in his Department's future partnership paper on security, law enforcement and criminal justice, published on 18 September 2017.

Mr Robin Walker: We are committed to securing a deal that works for the entire United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. We have been clear from the start that the devolved administrations should be fully engaged in this process. For the future partnership paper on security, law enforcement and criminal justice, both the Department for Exiting the European Union and the Home Office have engaged at an official level with the Northern Ireland Civil Service, in the absence of a Northern Ireland Executive. We are committed to positive and productive engagement with the devolved administrations, including a restored Northern Ireland Executive, as we take forward this important work. We are also determined to hear from as many organisations, companies and institutions as possible to build a national consensus around our negotiating position.

Borders: Northern Ireland

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what assessment he has made of the number of (a) official and (b) unofficial crossing points between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland on the viability of any hard border between the UK and the EU.

Mr Robin Walker: As we made clear in both in our position paper and the Prime Minister’s speech in Florence, we must aim to avoid any physical infrastructure on the land border between Northern Ireland and Ireland and we welcome the Commission’s commitment to this in their Guiding principles paper. The UK was also clear in the White Paper that we want to continue to see the everyday movements across the land border, and we recognise the importance of these movements to the economy in Northern Ireland.

EU Grants and Loans

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the re-payment of European Structural Investment Funds when the UK leaves the EU.

Mr Robin Walker: The Department for Exiting the European Union is working with departments across government to ensure that people and businesses have stability and certainty in the period leading up to our departure in March 2019, and that we use the opportunities that our EU exit presents to determine our own priorities. The government has guaranteed funding for all European Structural and Investment Fund projects signed before we leave the EU – provided they are value for money and in line with domestic priorities.

Transitional Arrangements

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what recent discussions he has had with his European counterparts on the legal framework for transitional arrangements between the UK and the EU after March 2019.

Mr Robin Walker: The Government continues to engage constructively in discussions with the EU across all facets of the negotiations. As the Prime Minister set out, the UK is seeking a strictly time-limited implementation period, based on the existing structure of EU rules and regulations, during which the UK and the EU would continue to have access to one another’s markets on current terms, and the UK would take part in existing security measures.The Commission’s own Article 50 guidelines published in April also make provision for such a period of transition. The Government believes an implementation period is mutually beneficial to both the UK and the EU, helping both sides to minimise disruption and for there to be only one set of changes.

Migrant Workers: Catering

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what assessment he has made of the effect of the UK leaving the EU on the levels of non-UK nationals employed in the catering industries in (a) Northern Ireland and (b) the UK.

Mr Robin Walker: We have been engaging with businesses across all areas of the UK to build a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges that EU exit brings, including in relation to migration.The Home Office has commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to gather evidence on patterns of EU migration and the role of migration in the wider economy, ahead of our exit from the EU. As part of this request the Home Office has asked the MAC to set out patterns of EU migration at a sectoral and regional level.

Department for International Trade

Trade Agreements

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many staff in his Department have negotiated and completed a free trade agreement; and with which countries those agreements were negotiated.

Greg Hands: When recruiting civil servants, managers are able to review candidates’ previous experience and career history as part of our recruitment policies and campaigns. As a result, the Department for International Trade (DIT) has a strong and capable trade policy team which has grown significantly since its establishment in July 2016 and is continuing to grow. DIT has almost 3,600 staff, including our ‘Trade Policy Group’ of over 400 people. Over the summer, we also recruited internationally recognised expert Crawford Falconer as DIT’s Chief Trade Negotiation Adviser and Second Permanent Secretary. With more than 25 years of public service experience in trade and foreign affairs, Falconer will support the establishment of a world-class trade negotiation function and lead the development of a new International Trade profession for trade negotiators and will bolster the Civil Service’s trade negotiation skills.

World Trade Organisation

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what estimate he has made on the number of countries which solely rely on World Trade Organisation schedules.

Greg Hands: All World Trade Organisation Members have at least one preferential trade agreement in place. As set out in the Department for International Trade’s 9 October policy paper, Preparing for our future UK trade policy (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/preparing-for-our-future-uk-trade-policy), the Government will seek to transition all existing EU trade agreements and other EU preferential arrangements, as we prepare to leave the EU.

Department for International Trade: ICT

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether his Department holds a central list of the IT and digital assets of its arm's-length bodies.

Greg Hands: The Department for international Trade currently has no arms-length bodies, and therefore keeps no such lists.

Trade Agreements

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what assessment he has made of advice by the British Chamber of Commerce to prioritise a trade deal with (a) the EU and (b) other countries close to agreeing trade deals with the EU.

Greg Hands: Holding answer received on 07 November 2017



The Department engages regularly with stakeholders, including the British Chamber of Commerce, and welcomes their views on future trade deals.The Government is seeking a bold and ambitious Free Trade Agreement with the EU and is pursuing the greatest possible tariff and barrier-free trade with our European neighbours. The Government is also committed to seeking continuity in its current trade and investment relationships and will seek to transition all existing EU trade agreements and other EU preferential arrangements. The Government will continue to engage with stakeholders throughout the process, including the British Chambers of Commerce.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

UNESCO: USA

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential effect on cultural development in the UK of the withdrawal of the US Administration from participation in UNESCO; and if she will make a statement.

John Glen: The US withdrawal will be a loss to its global membership. The UK remains a full member of UNESCO and we are committed to the aims of the organisation, however we have been clear that we expect reform from UNESCO in order that it becomes more effective and efficient.

Common Agricultural Policy: Cultural Heritage

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate she has made of the financial contribution of the common agricultural policy to the heritage sector.

John Glen: The department has not assessed the financial contribution of the common agricultural policy to the heritage sector. However both DCMS and DEFRA continue to work closely with stakeholders to make sure that heritage interests are fully considered in the policy development of any successor to the Common Agriculture Policy, including the Rural Development Programme.

Internet: Betting Shops

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate she has made of the amount spent through online betting shops in each of the last seven years; and if she will make a statement.

Tracey Crouch: The Gambling Commission, as the statutory regulator for gambling offered to consumers in Great Britain, collects industry statistics from operators’ regulatory returns. These statistics are published on the Commission’s website twice each year: http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news-action-and-statistics/Statistics-and-research/Statistics/Industry-statistics.aspx Since November 2014 the Gambling Commission has collected data from all gambling operators licensed to provide remote gambling services to consumers in Great Britain. This followed implementation of the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014.  From November 2014: GB only remote data (£m) (remote services offered to consumers located in Great Britain)GGY*Nov 2014 - Mar 2015 (5 month period)Apr 2015 - Mar 2016Oct 2015 - Sep 2016**TotalTotalTotalBetting455.991,556.161,710.81Betting Exchange52.44151.75169.97Bingo66.77150.52148.98Casino889.042,345.552,401.28Pool Betting9.8225.9030.22Total1,474.064,229.884,461.26 Before November 2014, only operators with remote equipment located in Great Britain required a licence from the Gambling Commission. Therefore the Gambling Commission only has data for a small portion of the British-facing remote market before November 2014. Data provided for the period before November 2014 is not directly comparable to data covering the period after this date and does not reflect the total amount spent during this time. Before November 2014:  General Remote Data (£m)GGY*2008/092009/102010/112011/122012/132013/14Oct 2013- Sep 2014Betting640.77460.85492.25563.96751.70979.831,192.85Betting Exchange142.54146.91145.9346.0432.5129.8027.03Bingo0.471.512.192.032.464.327.76Casino33.0822.9512.6920.2342.4927.4924.09Pool Bettingn/an/an/a77.92103.4593.2295.50Total816.86632.22653.06710.18932.611,134.661,347.23  *Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) is the amount retained by operators after the payment of winnings but before the deduction of the costs of the operation. The GGY figure provides a more accurate reflection of consumer behaviour than turnover, as turnover alone includes recycled funds. **Full data for financial year 2016/17 is not yet available and will be published later this month by the Gambling Commission. Therefore this column represents a full year of data for illustrative purposes, using the final 6 months of financial year 2015/16 and the first 6 months of financial year 2016/17.

House of Commons Commission

House of Commons: Pay

Chris Stephens: To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, whether the Commission plans to remove the public sector pay cap of one per cent in its next round of pay negotiations; and if he will make a statement.

Tom Brake: The House of Commons (Administration) Act 1978 includes the requirement to remain ‘broadly in line’ with the terms and conditions of the Home Civil Service. The House of Commons Commission has yet to take a decision on a pay remit for 2018/19.

Department of Health

Slaughterhouses: CCTV

Sir Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what information his Department holds on (a) the number and (b) which slaughterhouses do not have comprehensive CCTV installed on their premises.

Steve Brine: In May 2016 the Food Standards Agency carried out a CCTV survey in all 278 operating slaughterhouses in England and Wales. The results from this survey showed: - 102 out of 207 red meat slaughterhouses (49.3%) and 50 out of 71 white meat slaughterhouses (70.4%) had some form of CCTV in use for animal welfare purposes. In respect of which slaughterhouses do not have comprehensive CCTV installed on its premises, this information is commercially sensitive and cannot be released.

Mental Health Services

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to improve the sharing of medical records between medical institutions and trusts for mental health service users.

Jackie Doyle-Price: The Government recognises that appropriate and timely sharing of data is essential to improving care, treatment and support for service users. We are committed to ensuring the health and social care system in England realises the benefits of sharing data in a safe, secure and legal way. Government policy has outlined the importance of sharing data between organisations at a local level. The Department has worked with the Centre of Excellence for Information Sharing to understand the factors which impact on information sharing in mental health crisis care. Challenges around transferring patient notes and records between different organisations and care settings are recognised and will be addressed, in part, by the move from paper records to electronic systems for recording and sharing patient information. ‘Information: To Share or not to share? The Information Governance Review’ (2013) created a duty on National Health Service trusts to share information. NHS trusts have to demonstrate in their annual information governance return how they are fulfilling this duty.

Human Papillomavirus: Vaccination

Ben Bradley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many Yellow Cards submitted to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency on the HPV vaccination have been classified as serious in the last three years.

Ben Bradley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many Yellow Cards submitted to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency for the HPV vaccination were classified as serious; and how many of those cases were reviewed to establish whether the patient had returned to full health in each of the last 12 months.

Steve Brine: The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) encourages anyone to report a suspected adverse reaction (ADR) to a vaccine or medicine through the Yellow Card Scheme: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcardA Yellow Card report is not proof of a side effect occurring, but a suspicion by the reporter that the vaccine or medicine may have been the cause. Such reports are kept under continual review to identify potential new risks. Between 31 October 2014 – 30 October 2017 a total of 649 serious suspected adverse reaction (ADR) reports with human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines have been reported to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) via the Yellow Card Scheme (data run date: 1 November 2017). In this three year period, at least 1 million doses of HPV vaccine were administered in the United Kingdom. A breakdown of UK serious suspected spontaneous ADR reports received via the Yellow Card Scheme beween 31 October 2014 – 30 October 2016 by brand and year received is shown in the following table. HPV VaccineNumber of serious reportsHPV brand unspecified181Cervarix64Gardasil390Gardasil 918Total649 Source: MHRA sentinel database for adverse reactions Notes: The total number of reports received by vaccine brand is not equal to the totals in the table above as some reports included more than one HPV vaccine brand. The MHRA has received a total of 3,159 serious suspected adverse reaction reports associated with HPV vaccine (data run date 1 November 2017). All serious reports received via the Yellow Card Scheme are reviewed based on the details received from the reporter. Follow up letters may be sent for missing information such as vaccine brand name, batch number, medical history, results of investigations, diagnoses and details of outcome. The Commission on Human Medicines has thoroughly reviewed the safety of HPV vaccines and concluded that the evidence does not support a link between HPV vaccination and the development of chronic illnesses.

Care Homes: Fees and Charges

Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of introducing a cap on care costs for older people.

Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, on what timeline he plans to consult on and publish a Green Paper on adult social care.

Jackie Doyle-Price: The Government will work to address the challenges of social care for our ageing population, bringing forward proposals for consultation to build widespread support. We are committed to listening to people’s views on how to reform the social care system, to ensure it is sustainable for current and future generations and that the quality of care improves. Ageing and care issues span a number of areas for which different Departments have policy responsibility, which is why the Cabinet Office will continue to coordinate this work through its next phase, working closely with HM Treasury and the Departments of Health, Communities and Local Government, Work and Pensions, and Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. We will consult on options which will include a capital floor and an absolute limit on the amount people who can be asked to pay, and are keen to hear different views on the cap, both its level and design. We will provide further details on the next steps on social care in due course.

NHS: Drugs

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to NHS England's publications Biological Medicines Commissioning Framework published on 12 September 2017 and What is a Biosimilar Medicine published on 24 September 2015, what steps he has taken to ensure that patients in England will have the right to an informed discussion and consultation with their clinician before a decision is made to switch them from their existing biologic treatment to a biosimilar treatment.

Steve Brine: NHS England is clear that treatment decisions should always be made first on the basis of clinical judgement and through shared decision making with individual patients. Where a decision is taken to switch a patient from their existing biologic treatment to a biosimilar treatment, strong safeguards are required to ensure that patients who have responded well to existing medicine are closely monitored to ensure efficacy and safety. NHS England is working closely with patient groups to develop patient material which will help patients to have informed discussions with a clinician. NHS England met with a number of patient groups in August 2017 to discuss biosimilar medicines and is committed to continuing a collaborative working relationship. NHS England recognises patient groups have an important role to play as advocates for biosimilar medicines and in the process, provide peer to peer support for patients. NHS England is also working with NHS Choices to ensure the availability of biosimilars related information to support patients to make informed decisions about switching, and help patients understand what biosimilar medicines are. NHS Choices are updating their current biological medicine content to align with NHS England's commissioning framework.

NHS: Drugs

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans NHS England has to (a) engage with patient groups to explain biosimilar medicines and (b) discuss how such medicines can be integrated into patient care in a safe and sustainable way.

Steve Brine: A national Biosimilar Medicines Programme Board, chaired by NHS England’s Chief Pharmaceutical officer, Dr Keith Ridge, was established in 2015. The Board provides strategic advice and direction to NHS England in relation to a national programme of work focused on increasing access and uptake of biosimilar medicines, in a safe and sustainable way. Patient groups are represented on this board and other delivery partners include: - The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry;- The British Generic Manufacturers Association;- The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence;- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency;- Clinicians;- Commissioners; and- NHS England and Departmental Policy Makers. The board has overseen three specific strands of work: - Development of a Commissioning Framework;- Development of a set of indicators for biosimilar medicines; and- A communication and education work stream. A sub group comprising membership from the national Biosimilar Medicines Programme Board, including patient group representation, was established to look at communication and education material for biosimilars. This group will continue to play a pivotal role in terms of ensuring consistency in key messages to the public.

Meningitis: Vaccination

Sir Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will reinstate vaccinations against meningococcal serogroup c for infants; and if he will make a statement.

Steve Brine: The incidence of meningococcal group C (MenC) disease is very low in infants and young children in the United Kingdom. In June 2015, our expert committee, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), recommended that children now need two rather than three doses of a vaccine that protects against MenC. As a result the UK vaccination schedule changed from 1 July 2016. Children no longer have a dose of MenC vaccine at three months of age. However they continue to be protected against group C meningococcal disease through the routine 12-month MenC/Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) vaccine and the combined vaccine offered as part of the teenage vaccination programme which protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W, and Y. In addition, the Bexsero vaccine used for the Meningocooccal group B infant vaccination programme, offered at two, four and 12 months, may provide some protection against certain strains of MenC. There are no plans to reintroduce the infant dose of MenC vaccination. The JCVI keeps all programmes under review.

Pancreatitis

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when he expects blood tests for pancreatitis to be available on the NHS.

Steve Brine: In the case of suspected acute pancreatitis, a blood test will be carried out to confirm diagnosis. A blood test can detect signs linked to the condition, such as high levels of two chemicals called lipase and amylase. Further information can be found on NHS Choices via the following link:www.nhs.uk/conditions/acute-pancreatitis/diagnosis/In the case of chronic pancreatitis, it can usually only by diagnosed carrying out scans of the pancreas. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published Clinical Knowledge Summaries on both acute and chronic pancreatitis. NICE guidance on Pancreatitis: diagnosis and Management is currently under development and has an expected publication date of 5 September 2018. The Clinical Knowledge Summaries are available at the following links:https://cks.nice.org.uk/pancreatitis-chronic#!topicsummaryhttps://cks.nice.org.uk/pancreatitis-acute#!topicsummary

HIV Infection

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the number of people with HIV in England in each of the last five years.

Steve Brine: Estimates of the number of people with HIV in England are not available. Estimates of the number of people with HIV in the United Kingdom are presented in the annual HIV in the UK report. These estimates were 101,200 people in 2015, 97,610 people in 2014, 99,960 people in 2013, 98,400 people in 2012 and 96,000 people in 2011.

Medicine: China

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in China on exchange of information on drugs and medicine between the UK and China.

Steve Brine: The United Kingdom and China hold an annual event called the People-to-People Dialogue which is co-Chaired by the Secretary of State for Health and a Chinese counterpart. Health is included in the dialogue and, each year, a broad range of topics is discussed. In terms of medicines specific information the 2015 Joint Statement references UK-China cooperation to tackle anti-microbial resistance. More broadly the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency cooperate with the China Food and Drug Administration on medicines regulation.

Medical Treatments

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when he expects the transanal submucosal resection technique to be available for bowel treatment on the NHS.

Steve Brine: The use of transanal submucosal resection techniques for bowel treatment on the National Health Service would be a decision for clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). NHS England expects CCGs to take account of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines and local population needs when making commissioning decisions.

NHS: Drugs

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to the NHS England publication, GE3 Hospital Medicines Optimisation and the Biological Medicines Commissioning Framework on 12 September 2017, what criteria his Department has set to determine the best value biologic.

Steve Brine: It is important that patients and clinicians together determine which is the best value biologic appropriate to an individual’s clinical needs. We consider that both cost to the National Health Service and clinical appropriateness for a patient should be used by patients and clinicians to determine best value. NHS England will be working with pharmacy procurement specialists, with input from clinicians and patients, to determine the best approach. The aim will be to strike the right balance between individual patient need and good value for the NHS.

Prescriptions: Fees and Charges

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to ensure the prescription exemption checking service distinguishes between people intentionally defrauding the NHS and cases where a prepayment prescription certificate expires; and whether fines should be imposed in both circumstances.

Steve Brine: Penalties are issued in accordance with The National Health Service (Penalty Charge) Regulations 1999 where an exemption claimed cannot be verified. The current penalty charges do not differentiate between fraud and error. When a patient does not pay for a prescription they have a responsibility to declare a valid exemption. Further communication campaigns will be carried out over the next 12 months to increase awareness and patient understanding of qualifying benefits and exemptions.

Prescriptions: Fees and Charges

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the number of prescriptions which are scrutinised by the prescription exemption checking service annually.

Steve Brine: Between September 2014 and August 2017 the prescription exemption checking service has checked 12,621,459 prescription records.2014/15*2015/162016/17(Year to date)Total614,7812,257,1065,648,8044,100,76812,621,459  Note: *No figures pre September 2014

Prescriptions: Fees and Charges

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the amount that has recovered by the prescription exemption checking service in each of the last five years.

Steve Brine: Between September 2014 and August 2017 the prescription exemption checking service has recovered £32,927,505.50 2014/15*2015/162016/17(Year to date)Total£2,412,781.90£9,077,869.00£14,956,482.10£6,480,372.50£32,927,505.50 Note: *No figures pre September 2014

Prescriptions: Fees and Charges

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the cost to the public purse is of the prescription exemption checking service.

Steve Brine: There is no direct cost to the public purse for the prescription exemption checking service; it is entirely funded from the monies it recovers and the surplus is returned to NHS England.

NHS: Drugs

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, which patient groups were consulted in the development of the Biological Medicines Commissioning Framework, published on 12 September 2017.

Steve Brine: The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society and Diabetes UK were consulted during the development of the Biological Medicines Commissioning Framework. Patient groups are actively involved in NHS England’s programme of work to support implementation of the commissioning framework. NHS England is committed to continuing a collaborative working relationship with patient groups and recognises the important role they will play in supporting patients.

Prescriptions: Fees and Charges

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the cost per digital transaction of prescription prepayment certificates in October 2018.

Steve Brine: A breakdown of the cost per digital transaction is unavailable.

Prescriptions: Fees and Charges

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the potential cost to the public purse of universal free prescriptions in NHS England.

Steve Brine: The Department has made no such estimate. NHS England received £554.9 million in revenue from the National Health Service prescription charge for the financial year 2016/17. If all prescriptions had been free of charge that year, this is the revenue that would have been forgone. Source: Department of Health Annual Report and Accounts 2016-17

Health Services

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the effect of minor ailment clinics in reducing demand for GP services.

Steve Brine: Minor ailments schemes, clinics and services are commissioned locally according to need and have been developed in areas of high demand on general practice to treat minor illness. NHS England and clinical commissioning groups commission minor ailment services from community pharmacy to meet local need. These services are reviewed locally by the commissioner of the service. NHS England monitors availability of these services as part of their preparedness for winter. The Government has also been encouraging self-care through its ‘Stay Well this Winter’ campaigns further driving people with self-limiting minor ailments to pharmacies as the first port of call where appropriate.

Female Genital Mutilation

Laura Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he has taken to ensure that health care professionals report cases of female genital mutilation.

Jackie Doyle-Price: To support National Health Service staff to deliver their legal obligations under the female genital mutilation (FGM) mandatory reporting duty and to support them in their work, the Department’s FGM Prevention Programme partnered with NHS England launched a package of health-specific materials for NHS organisations to support them in implementing the duty. The materials were developed with stakeholders and NHS England and contain guidance, posters, slideshows for training sessions, video interviews with professionals, a flow-chart, and an information leaflet for patients and their families.These materials support healthcare professionals to carry out their duties by providing guidance on what healthcare professionals should do if they think a child has had or is at risk of FGM, guidance for confirming ‘known’ cases of FGM in under 18-year-olds, explanations of what the duty means for healthcare professionals, health training packages to introduce the duty as well as materials to explain the duty to patients and families affected by FGM.Where professionals fail to comply with the duty, this should be dealt with in accordance with professional bodies’ existing disciplinary procedures on a case by case basis.

Mental Health Services: Staff

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent steps he has taken to (a) alleviate the work pressures on mental health staff working in the NHS and (b) ensure that such workers receive effective support and care in the event of mental health illness.

Jackie Doyle-Price: Employers are responsible for taking steps to alleviate the work pressures on mental health staff working in the National Health Service and ensuring they receive effective support and care in the event of mental health illness. The Government recognises the work pressures NHS staff including mental health staff are under and is proposing to do more to support trusts in alleviating these pressures by, for example, offering NHS staff more opportunities for flexible working, quicker access to mental health services as well as tackling bullying and violence against NHS staff. These initiatives are in addition to NHS England’s NHS Healthy Workforce programme which includes incentives for employers to ensure staff have access to better support for their physical and mental health and wellbeing such as mindfulness apps and mental health talking therapies. The recently published ‘Stepping forward to 2020/21: The mental health workforce plan for England1 recognises the need to support NHS staff, including those working in mental health. The plan proposes that ‘Thriving at Work2’, the recently published review by Paul Farmer, CEO of Mind and Lord Stevenson, about mental health and employers and should form the basis for Board discussions. This will enable NHS organisations to better support their own staff and increase awareness around mental health issues amongst the workforce. The expectation is that all the recommendations within the mental health workforce plan will be implemented by 2020/21. The Department continues to commission NHS Employers to support the NHS in improving staff health and wellbeing through advice, guidance and good practice including, for example, their ‘How are you feeling NHS? Toolkit3’ which should help staff check their own emotional wellbeing or speak to and support colleagues with theirs.  Notes: 1https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/person-centred-care/mental-health/mental-health-workforce-plan 2https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/thriving-at-work-a-review-of-mental-health-and-employers 3http://www.nhsemployers.org/howareyoufeelingnhs

Health: Costs

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps the Government has taken to assess the (a) cost and (b) economic productivity to the public purse of (i) alcohol misuse, (ii) obesity and (iii) viral hepatitis.

Steve Brine: The Government wants everyone to be able to make healthier choices, regardless of their circumstances, and to minimise the risk and impact of illness. A range of action is being taken to do this and in particular on the three areas identified: - To tackle alcohol misuse we are preventing below cost selling, tightening the rules on irresponsible promotions and introducing new powers to deal with anti-social behaviour. Local authorities are supported by Public Health England in the commissioning of high quality, evidence based treatment services for their local population’s needs.- In addition, the United Kingdom Chief Medical Officers have produced new low risk drinking guidelines which provide the public with the latest information about the health risks of different levels and patterns of drinking. The guidelines enable people to make informed choices about their drinking.- Tackling childhood obesity is a priority for this Government. We launched “Childhood Obesity: A Plan for Action” in August 2016. Our world-leading plan will help children and families to recognise and make healthier choices and be more active. Many of the key commitments in our plan will have an impact on tackling obesity across all age groups. These include the soft drinks industry levy and sugar reduction programme, which will reduce the amount of sugar we all consume.- A copy of “Childhood Obesity: A Plan for Action” is available at:www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/546588/Childhood_obesity_2016__2__acc.pdf- The National Strategic Group on Viral Hepatitis is a Public Health England supported, cross-agency expert group on viral hepatitis with external membership from academia, NHS England, local government, clinical commissioning groups, patient representative groups and other organisations, to provide strategic direction and advice around viral hepatitis. The strategy group aims to help reduce the incidence, prevalence and consequences of infection from the viral hepatitis in England.

Health Professions

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he has taken to expand the number of health visitors and school nurses.

Jackie Doyle-Price: Since April 2013, local authorities (LAs) have been responsible for public health locally, including commissioning public health services for school aged children, namely school nursing services and the Healthy Child Programme. Additionally, from 1 October 2015, LAs took over responsibility for commissioning public health services for children aged zero to five from NHS England. LAs are mandated to provide or secure the five universal health visitor reviews. It is for local authorities to assess the health needs of their populations and commission the appropriate services and workforce. All commissioning should be based on a robust Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and supported by local workforce plans. Commissioning decisions are for local discretion and as such there will be variations. Health Education England is ensuring sustainable development of the workforce and there are presently over 800 health visitor student training places commissioned.

Hepatitis: Diagnosis

Sir David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps the Government is taking to improve the detection of hepatitis B and C.

Steve Brine: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines are available to help raise awareness of, and testing for, hepatitis B and C infection in people at increased risk of infection. Screening for hepatitis B and C is recommended in groups who are at increased risk of infection so that diagnosed individuals can be referred for specialist care and management. NICE has also produced best practice guidance on hepatitis B antenatal screening and the new-born immunisation programme. The guidelines can be viewed here:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ph43NHS England commissions the infectious diseases in pregnancy screening programme including the screening for hepatitis B, as of part of the maternity pathway. In addition, and as part of health services commissioned for those in the detained settings, NHS England is rolling out an ambitious Opt-Out Blood Borne Viruses (BBV) testing programme; the key aim is to improve uptake rates for hepatitis B and hepatitis C testing by the introduction of good practice for ‘meaningful offer’ of BBV testing across the adult prison estate by end of 2017-18.

Mental Health Services: Veterans

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent estimate his Department has made of the number of armed forces veterans in inpatient and outpatient mental healthcare in England.

Jackie Doyle-Price: The table below shows the number of ex-British Armed Forces veterans in contact with mental health services plus the number of ex-British Armed Forces veterans in a mental health hospital at the end of July 2017 in England only. The figure in row one includes those accessing service as outpatients and in the community. Ex-British Armed Forces veterans in contact with mental health services at the end of July 20174,644Ex-British Armed Forces veterans in mental health hospitals at the end of July 201757Source: Mental Health Services Dataset (MHSDS) The MHSDS has identified ex-British Armed Forces veteran’s status from 2016/17.

Pharmacy: Finance

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what percentage of pharmacies that applied for the Pharmacy Access Scheme payment were deemed eligible for that payment.

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many additional pharmacies who applied for the Pharmacy Access Scheme payment were deemed eligible for that payment.

Steve Brine: The Department applied the criteria for the Pharmacy Access Scheme (PhAS) to all pharmacies in England and published a list of those it deemed eligible in 2016. There were 1,340 pharmacies on this list. NHS England reviewed, on application, pharmacies that believed there had been an error in drawing up that list; could demonstrate that a physical feature, such as a semi-permanent road block impeded access, meaning that in practice two pharmacies were more than one mile away from each other; or that the pharmacy was 0.8 miles or more from another pharmacy, in an area of high deprivation, and critical for access. Of 356 applications, a further 62 met these review criteria and were subsequently deemed eligible for PhAS payments. In addition, pharmacies that returned from locally funded arrangements to the national community pharmacy contractual framework from September 2016 to date have been reviewed to determine whether they are eligible. A further 13 pharmacies qualified for PhAS payments via this route.

Mental Health: Young People

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to promote a cross-cutting and comprehensive approach to tackling mental health problems among young people.

Jackie Doyle-Price: This Government is committed to ensuring comprehensive support for children and young people’s mental health, including investing an additional £1.4 billion by 2020/21. The Government has committed to publish a Green Paper on children and young people’s mental health by the end of the year, which has been jointly developed with the Department for Education. NHS England, Public Health England and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport have been closely engaged throughout the development process.

Health Visitors: Maternity Services

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what measures he plans to put in place to ensure standards of health visiting are maintained when responsibility for such visitors is transferred from the NHS to local authorities.

Jackie Doyle-Price: Health visitors and school nurses lead and co-ordinate delivery of the Healthy Child Programme (0-19). Health visitors and school nurses or Specialist Community Public Health Nurses are qualified nurses or midwives with an additional specialist graduate level education in community health and health needs. Local authorities (LAs) took over responsibility for commissioning public health services for children aged zero to five from NHS England from 1 October 2015. LAs are mandated to provide or secure the five universal health visitor reviews. The responsibility for standards for health visitors rests with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), through their code of practice and entry to part 3 of NMC register. The responsibility for service standards for health visiting services rests with the LA as the commissioner and Care Quality Commission as the regulator. The Department and Public Health England (PHE) have produced guidance to support both commissioners and local providers including Guidance to support the commissioning of the Healthy Child Programme 0-19: Health Visiting and School Nursing services, available to view here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/healthy-child-programme-0-to-19-health-visitor-and-school-nurse-commissioningPHE and the Department continue to work with the Local Government Association, professional bodies, and locally through PHE Centres to share evidence and guidance that allows LAs to make the best decisions to meet local needs.

Health Visitors: Maternity Services

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to use health visitors to reduce health inequalities by (a) increasing the amount and time duration of breast feeding and (b) extending early educational intervention.

Jackie Doyle-Price: Local authorities have a duty to improve the health of their populations through the use of the public health grant. Public Health England (PHE) supports this through evidence to address health inequalities and guidance to professionals. The six High Impact Areas for Early Years focus on key areas where health visitors have a significant impact on health and wellbeing and improving outcomes for children, families and communities. The guidance includes promotion of breastfeeding and health, wellbeing and development of the child aged two. Further information on the Six High Impact Areas is available to view here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/commissioning-of-public-health-services-for-childrenPHE works with local services to create breastfeeding friendly communities, with midwives and health visitors to promote best practice, and, through our Start4Life social marketing programme, to provide parents with trusted National Health Service advice. PHE has developed an infant feeding commissioning resource in partnership with Unicef to support local authorities in the delivery of a comprehensive approach to the commissioning of services that protect, promote and support breastfeeding. PHE also shares innovative approaches for supporting breastfeeding.

Abortion: Northern Ireland

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what information his Department holds on the number of women from Northern Ireland who have received abortion treatment in England since 29 June 2017.

Jackie Doyle-Price: Official statistics on abortions in 2017 are not due for publication until June 2018, when they will be released in the ‘Report on abortion statistics in England and Wales for 2017’. 723 women from Northern Ireland accessed abortions in England in 2016.

Patients: Transport

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the effect of decreases to (a) bus routes and (b) the frequency of bus services on the ability of older people to access NHS appointments.

Steve Brine: The Secretary of State for Health’s conversations with the Secretary of State for Transport cover a wide range of issues.

Patients: Transport

Jo Platt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the average time taken to transfer patients from hospitals to social care settings is (a) nationally and (b) in Leigh constituency.

Jackie Doyle-Price: This information is not held centrally.

Hyperactivity

Jo Platt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the waiting time for ADHD diagnosis and treatment.

Jo Platt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the waiting time was for ADHD diagnosis and treatment in each of the last seven years.

Jo Platt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what funding his Department has allocated to ADHD treatment in each of the last seven years.

Jackie Doyle-Price: In February 2016, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published a refreshed clinical guideline 72: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management. This sets out the evidence-based approach to supporting children over three, young people and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). NICE is developing a new guideline on ADHD which is expected to be published in February 2018. England continues to develop pathways for mental health services, which benefit people with ADHD needing mental health support, to promote evidence-based approaches to care and tackle unwarranted variation in provision. NICE and the National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health have been commissioned to develop these pathways. Information on waiting times for ADHD diagnosis, or on the waiting time from referral to treatment, is not collected centrally by the National Health Service. Information on funding specifically allocated to ADHD treatment by local commissioners in the last seven years is not held centrally.

NHS: Resignations

Jo Platt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many NHS workers left their positions due to workplace stress in each of the last seven years.

Mr Philip Dunne: The Department does not collect data on the number of National Health Service workers leaving their position due to stress. Employers across the NHS are responsible for the physical and mental health and wellbeing of their staff. Trusts are being supported to improve their staff mental health and reduce their stress through NHS England’s “Commissioning for Quality and Innovation” incentive scheme which is encouraging trusts to provide quick access to mental health support services including, for example, mindfulness apps and mental health talking therapies.The recently published ‘Stepping forward to 2020/21: The mental health workforce plan for England1 recognises the need to support NHS staff. The plan proposes that the Paul Farmer and Lord Stevenson review of mental health and employers – ‘Thriving at Work2’ should form the basis for Board discussions about how NHS organisations can better support their own staff and increase awareness around mental health issues amongst the workforce. The expectation is that all the recommendations within the mental health workforce plan will be implemented by 2020/21. The Department continues to commission NHS Employers to support the NHS in improving staff health and wellbeing through advice, guidance and good practice including, for example, their ‘How are you feeling NHS? Toolkit3’ which should help staff check their own emotional wellbeing or speak to and support colleagues with theirs. Notes: 1https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/person-centred-care/mental-health/mental-health-workforce-plan 2https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/thriving-at-work-a-review-of-mental-health-and-employers 3http://www.nhsemployers.org/howareyoufeelingnhs

Department of Health: Nurseries

Tracy Brabin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what childcare facilities his Department makes available for its staff; how much his Department spent (a) overall and (b) per child on those facilities in the last 12 months; and how many of his Department's staff use those facilities.

Mr Philip Dunne: The Department does not provide any childcare facilities for its staff on its estate. The Department does participate in a voucher scheme but this is a salary sacrifice where staff give up part of their salary in exchange for vouchers for childcare. There is no cost to the Department for this scheme.

NHS: Pay

Paula Sherriff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether the Written Ministerial Statement of the Leader of the House of 26 October 2017, HCWS 199, on Opposition Day debates, applies to the resolution of the House of 13 September 2017 on NHS pay.

Mr Philip Dunne: Yes, the Written Ministerial Statement of the Leader of the House of 26 October 2017 does apply retrospectively to the resolution of the House of 13 September 2017 on National Health Service pay.

Nutrition: Older People

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the effect of dentures on the ability of elderly people to maintain a healthy diet.

Steve Brine: Loss of teeth can affect an individual’s ability to eat, speak and socialise. Public Health England has advised the Department that the available literature supports the fact that well-fitting replacement dentures can enable a more varied diet and improve an individual’s quality of life. Dentures are available on the National Health Service and are free for those qualifying for exemption from patient charges. Individuals who are not exempt but are on a low income may qualify for help with dental costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme. Repairs to dentures are also free for everyone.

Dental Services

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to ensure better availability of dental healthcare for poorer citizens.

Steve Brine: Access to National Health Service dentistry is improving. For the 24 months ending 30 June 2017 22.2 million adults were seen, an increase of almost 19,000 over the same period in the previous year and for the 12 months ending 30 June 2017, 6.8 million children were seen by an NHS dentist an increase of almost 8,000 over the same period the previous year. NHS England has a legal duty to commission primary care NHS dental services to meet local needs and to help patients who cannot find a local dentist taking on new patients for NHS care. Patients in this situation can contact NHS England’s Customer Contact Centre for assistance. NHS patient charges are capped to try to avoid cost being a deterrent for those who have to pay a charge. All those under the age of 18 (or under 19 and in full time education), who are pregnant or gave birth in the last 12 months, as well as those on specified benefits are exempt from charges and receive free NHS dental treatment. For those not qualifying for exemption but on a low income there may still be full or partial help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. All dental practices holding an NHS contract are required to display a poster, provided free of charge, setting out current NHS Charges and highlighting that patients may be exempt from or entitled to help with charges. The Department also provides all such practices with a patient leaflet setting out patient entitlements in more detail. This information is also available on NHS Choices.

Motor Neurone Disease: Health Education

Mike Amesbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to raise awareness of the effects of motor neurone disease.

Steve Brine: On 24 February 2016, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence published a new best practice guideline on the assessment and management of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The guideline sets out the signs and symptoms of the disease and recommends that robust protocols and pathways are in place to inform healthcare professionals about MND, how it may present and to inform healthcare professionals in all settings about local referral arrangements. The guideline can be found by following the link below:www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng42/resources/motor-neurone-disease-assessment-and-management-1837449470149Further to this, the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the MND Association have worked together to produce a ‘Red Flag Tool’ which sets out key signs of MND to help general practitioners to identify suspected cases and refer them promptly to a neurologist for appropriate investigation. The RCGP and the British Medical Journal have both produced MND e-learning courses.

Department of Health: Telephone Services

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many and what proportion of his Department's public phone-lines charge members of the public to call.

Mr Philip Dunne: The Department does not have any public phone-lines that charge members of the public to call.

Doctors: Death Certificates

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how much a (a) doctor, (b) general practitioner and (c) consultant is paid to sign a death certificate.

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how much a (a) doctors, (b) general practitioners and (c) consultants were paid to sign death certificates in each year since 2010.

Mr Philip Dunne: A doctor, general practitioner and consultant are not paid to sign a death certificate. There is no charge for signing a death certificate.

Dental Services

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to make cosmetic dental treatment more available on the NHS.

Steve Brine: All clinically necessary dental treatment is available on the National Health Service. Where cosmetic treatment is deemed clinically necessary, it will be available. Cosmetic dental treatment that is not clinically necessary is not available and there are no plans to make it so.

Women and Equalities

Gender Recognition

Jo Stevens: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, whether the Government plans to bring forward legislative proposals during the 2017-18 Parliamentary session to change the process for officially recording a change of gender.

Nick Gibb: We announced on 23 July that we will be consulting on changes to the Gender Recognition Act. We are currently developing the consultation content with the intention to publish later this year.